Scorched Earth Burned Leaves

Written at the beginning of August, but not posted

a profusion of leaf fall
drifts to litter scorched earth
while straw grass thirsts

trees in our valley
are fooled by prolonged
summer heat

their foliage in defeat
turns after blistering sunburn
to russet and golds

in survival mode
autumn arrives with blue skies
seemingly unperturbed

the balance
has been disturbed
water runs dry supplies dried out

source of the river
once a trickle of playful stream
disappears from sight

and what of us
are we too parched by drought
longing for refreshing rain

Reviews

[AYVID N]

Dear Chris,

A very special poem to read especially now when we are all wishing spring and summer would hurry up and return.

I especially loved this poem for its fantastic description of the summer heat and its scorching, stunning effect on the leaves. Robbed of all the water, everything feels so parched, so done by the heat. And then the seasons change and we're left longing for warmth and the circle of seasons is complete. How symbolic of the constant flux of life.

I'm so happy to read you today and take in the rich meaning in your words in this multilayered poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you divya. Quite a contrast in temperature between then and now. So much heat last summer. We really aren’t used to that on this side of the pond. A special thanks for diving in to the archives. Much appreciated my friend. 🌺

[AYVID N]

It was such a pleasure to read this poem today. Your archives are a treasure! You're most welcome, dear Chris. 🙋‍♀️💕

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thing to say :) Have another one of these 🌺

[AYVID N]

Thanks a lot, my friend.... :)

[Anushka joshi]

The beauty and the necessity of approaching autumn .... Loved it 😊
... I wrote a new story for the first time , Please read and review so that I can improve .... If you have time ....
Aj

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Anuska. I will pay you a visit later today. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[Bryan Sefton]

Gosh! Chris, it seems so easy. Why can't I do it?

[Chris Shaw]

You write beautiful poems
My muse writes mine. Thank you Bryan so much. Your thoughts always appreciated.

Chris

[Stella Armour]

It has been an unusual summer here in Yorkshire too Chris, not enough rain has blighted plants and trees alike . A rowan tree in my back garden has very few berries this year and so the blackbirds will not be happy.
one thing upsets another and so the balance gets thrown out....
Too much rain is forecast for next week lol

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Stella. You are so right. Balance is all important. I have to say my garden is looking very parched and will benefit from the anticipated drenching. Some flowers gone for good.

Chris

[TamsinDaya]

This is a beautiful poem with a very deep meaning. There are some lines that I find particularly moving:

"water runs dry supplies dried out" and the final verse: and what of us/are we too parched by drought/longing for refreshing rain."

Thanks for sharing this and for having the courage to pursue something new (I read your 'about' information and have to say that I admire your courage).

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Tamsin, your thoughtful review and visit are much appreciated. Thank you so much. Have a great day.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Refreshing rain renews our Spirit as it gives oxygen to our feathered friends… the Rabbits love the Carrots with greens while the Earth smiles and Pansy prays with Buttercup… Amen… 🙏 Gently, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, recent rain has refreshed our grass and the flowers are revived. Your poetic review is very much appreciated. Have a wonderful week-end.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

a great poem Chris. A metaphoric warning to one and all, nature is growing weary of our sorry excuses. If we won't curb our appetites she will

Ken e

[Chris Shaw]

Thanking you Ken. I appreciate your thoughts and I am pleased you enjoyed the read. Have a good week-end.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

thanks Chris, plan on having a good 3 weeks, I'm off on a VC

[Chris Shaw]

have a great time

[carl]

I am new to the site, so just jumping around trying different poets. Found this one especially enjoyable as others have noted the ending verse causes reflection on what drought we all may be experiencing, physical, emotional, social, mental etc. Very well said thanks for the posting. Peace to you.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you Carl. Thank you so much for your visit and for sharing your insightful thoughts. I am delighted you enjoyed reading my poem. Have a good day.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the last three lines show it all...
the allegorical nature of those lines...parched by lack of love...longing for that refreshing
connection that turns our leaves pretty colors...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you J and for sharing your thoughts and always supporting my efforts. You are appreciated.
read moreThank you J and for sharing your thoughts and always supporting my efforts. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Drought it’s terrible , but now our rain here is back , thankfully
Great poem about it , Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Stuart, so pleased you enjoyed this poem. Many thank yous.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Thanks Chris , for sharing

[John the Baptist]

A cautionary tale here. If usually green, cool England is experiencing these things, what can those in hotter climates expect? The balance has indeed been disturbed. Very vivid imagery here shows how climate change is intensifying.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John. Yes, just look at Pakistan and the floods this week. The balance is disturbed, well and truly. Have a good day.

Chris