The Red Leaf

the raspy whisper finally gets my full attention - wistfully I smile ..for its persistence reminds me of you.. the crisp red leaf scuttles scrapingly across the gray pavement to and fro like a dancing crab moving with the whims of the winds chasing me as it seemed like I had once chased my dreams; blown in directions left up to chance ..until I met you.. ..is it now, as it was then Destiny? for in this instant, my sense of direction seems predestined.. a smoky scent spices the chilled blue air reminding me of our cozy nights curled with the fire ..entranced as we were with our warmth and our flame.. could it be love signals from the hearth calling me home..? ..my soul feels akin to the red leaf, the wafting smoke and I am ready to follow.. Would the cold atmosphere be so cruel as to play capricious tricks upon my eyes... or ..is that really YOU standing there..? Oh! my beloved, how my broken spirit has suffered in my pining desire to be with you - I run to you! years of yearning prayers answered fingertips straining - stretching further reaching out to touch you, the whole of my being aching to hold you and enfold you ..ah, I feel your heat so very close to me.. Alas! I fall to my knees, my arms empty but for the loss I carry.. your warm breath on the nape of my neck only my hot want brewed with a cool wisp of the breeze ..Oh, God! Please! just let it be let me go..! my forsaken flame less than a dying ember; I but ashes in my grief withered in my autumn season without you still... I’m slow to realize... that your fading glow just the sun slanting low blurring wicked whimsy with my wild sorrow in the burning of these bitter tears. Susan Ashley December 2, 2018 ~ First Place ~ Contest: NA the day away Sponsor: Lu Loo *N/A’d: Best Free Verse 2019 Poetry Contest* ~ Honorable Mention ~ Contest: Your Choice (2) Any Theme, Form Sponsor: Brian Strand ~ Poem Of The Day ~ December 4, 2018