Adieu

Already the leaves are staining red,
Blood, too thin, seeps through taut skin,
Capillaries weak walled and weeping;
Dying Summer bows proud head,
Emptied of green glory;
Filled, fiery cauldrons blaze red-orange,
Golden flamed tongues glowing.
How harsh that she must fly
Into the great beyond,
Jettisoned like a human soul
Killed before its time.
Letting go, whether fast or slow,
Makes no variance in the pain;
Numbingly, it strikes the heart
Over and over again.
Passionate, she would linger,
Queenly in her floral gown,
Regaled for stunning splendor;
Sympathy never his approach,
Time beats a strong percussive stroke
Unstoppable, dispensed in quick cadence.
Valiantly she struggles, clinging,
While wild winds hew each leaf down;
Xylogenous lichen sparsely veils
Yearning limbs laid vulnerable and bare:
Zephyrus and Chloris frolic there no more.


Note: Zephyrus, the gentle god and personification 
of the west wind, the bringer of light spring and 
summer breezes in Greek mythology; he abducted 
and fathered children with the goddess Chloris and 
gave her the domain of flowers.

Xylogenous - living on or in wood

Copyright, August 15, 2014
Faye Lanham Gibson
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Stephens Avatar
September 11, 2014 at 9:06 AM
Hi Faye, A monumental poem. There are so many nuances. A gem to read again and again. Well done on achieving the winners list. Regards Theresa xx
A   Avatar
September 9, 2014 at 2:19 PM
Congratulations Faye,, this is a nice example of an abecedarian poem. Amazingly done. Love Linda
Hamilton Avatar
September 8, 2014 at 12:49 PM
so beautifully descriptive Faye lovely pen congrats on 1st place ty for your support hugs
Callus Avatar
September 8, 2014 at 6:22 AM
A top 7 rating for this lovely, captivating write, Faye!! Very enjoyable Abecedarian, tackled with ease. Congratulations on a merited top win. // paul
Mcintosh Avatar
September 7, 2014 at 11:39 PM
Amazing... Thank you and God bless you with love and prayers, Gina
Guzzi Avatar
September 7, 2014 at 8:19 PM
As unique as most of your verse, you truly have a 'voice' Congrad's on your win, proud to share the spot with you. Light & Love
Johnson Avatar
September 7, 2014 at 4:09 PM
A lovely salute to the demise of summer. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce
Allison Avatar
September 7, 2014 at 1:48 PM
Dropping back with my congratulations Faye:-) Hugs Jan xxx
Meier-Hans Avatar
August 29, 2014 at 4:14 PM
Well written Faye.
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 10:58 PM
Splendid write.. :) i can start my muse in this contest.. :D but wow you did it flawlessly.. :)
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
August 19, 2014 at 10:59 PM
i mean i cant yet..
La France Avatar
August 16, 2014 at 5:34 PM
Faye this is wonderful, you have captured this form beautifully, best of luck in the contest, you have inspired me to give it a whirl ~~
Smith Avatar
August 16, 2014 at 3:05 PM
Very impressive Faye..hugs Tim
Allison Avatar
August 16, 2014 at 7:10 AM
wow simply stunning - i have no idea where to start with this contest so good luck! Hugs jan xxx
Mohammad Avatar
August 16, 2014 at 6:28 AM
Beautiful write faye..!!! enjoyed your poem and the art...Please look over my poems and share your views
A. Sharma Avatar
August 16, 2014 at 12:25 AM
Awesome write Faye! love the new words there, glad to learn< hv a blessed day!
Gorelick Avatar
August 15, 2014 at 8:42 PM
Good job..I haven't tried this yet as I'm afraid of X and Z...lol. BG
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace