Gregory Richard Barden Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

final dance - a leaf's liturgy -

watch me!

oh, watch me dance!
  al these months I have waited
    twisting in the wind with the others
      clasping tight
        doing my work

helping to feed The One
  creating sustenance to give
    from the air and rain and sunlight
      how diligent I have been!
        my ribs strengthening

veins surging
  with their life-giving fluid
    singing with the other Little Ones
      when the breeze tickled us
        yes, I've waited

the wait (and work) has been blithe
  but, oh, so much MORE joyous
    is The Dance!
      the work is complete
        the One is fed for the winter

the way made for those that come after
  now is Autumn
    now we dance, joy!
      now we dance and die!
        oh, do not fear for me, I am bliss!

the dance is everything!
  the dance is our end, yes
    but oh, such a sublime end it IS!
      to bounce and float and drift!
        to spin and dive and soar, resplendent!

to show my bright colors to the earth and sky!
  is there any farewell more wonderful?
    is there any requiem as exquisite?
      just ONE dance
        but, oh, how divine it is!

no other dance is like mine - none!
  none of my kind will drift as I do ...
    we each have our own time
      we each have our own sway
        each of us, a grand danse de la mort!

and it is perfection!
  oh, to inhabit the wind with such color!
    to dance such a death, divine ...
     such a wondrous celebration
        of the new life to come ...

with Springtide!






* SECOND PLACE in the "Autumn Colors" Poetry Contest, Nayda Ivette Negron, Sponsor. *

* FOURTH PLACE in the "Blowing In the Wind Poetry Contest", Nicola Byrne, Sponsor & Judge. *

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Jan Allison January 13, 2018 at 10:17 AM so many beautiful lines Greg congrats on your win with this lovely poem:-) hugs Jan xx Gregory Richard Barden January 16, 2018 at 2:07 AM That's very kind of you, Jan, this was an unusual personification ... I like going to new places like this. Blessings and thanks to you, my friend! :-) <3

Subimal Sinha-Roy January 10, 2018 at 12:37 AM Congratulations, Greg on your win with a wonderful Gregory Richard Barden January 10, 2018 at 11:04 PM Very kind of you, Subimal ... blessings!

Line Gauthier January 9, 2018 at 9:28 PM "Now we dance and die... the dance is everything" - wow - I hope you add this to your quotes because it just went on my wall of quote FAVES, Gregory. Congrats on your win. Gregory Richard Barden January 10, 2018 at 11:04 PM That's so nice of you, Line, and I am very grateful for your sincere comments ... one of these days I'm going to go through my poems and extract some quotes, and do a bit of visual tweaking, (as I posted everything in the same format early-on). Do people actually read others' quotes?? Blessings, Friend! :-) <3

Constance La France September 19, 2017 at 8:55 AM Gregory, CONGRATULATIONS on your placement with this amazing write and I love your image too! Gregory Richard Barden September 19, 2017 at 11:54 AM Thanks so much, BW, that's very sweet of you - much appreciated - blessings! :-) <3

Robert Lindley August 24, 2017 at 10:34 PM Beauty of Nature even in colorful leaves shedding to make way for Spring's rebirth. A true celebration it is because Spring promises another future.. That slow floating dance, when it snows color onto the waiting ground.. Exceptional creation my friend.. A fav.. Gregory Richard Barden September 19, 2017 at 11:53 AM Thank you so much, Robert, for this wonderfully written comment ... as much of the spirit as the poem itself, and it made me smile! Very kind of you, my friend - blessings! :-)

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart August 21, 2017 at 12:05 PM Fantastic! Best of luck in the contest, my vote :) xomo Gregory Richard Barden August 21, 2017 at 2:35 PM Awww ... you are very sweet to me, Maureen, and it doesn't go unnoticed - thank you so much! :-) <3

Joanna Daniel August 21, 2017 at 6:26 AM Wow, stunning entry, Greg, can't beat this one:) Gregory Richard Barden August 21, 2017 at 7:47 AM You're very kind, Jo, thank you ... I am in such amazing company here, and blessed with such wonderful new friends like you! Have a great day, my friend! :-)

Russell Sivey August 21, 2017 at 5:34 AM Ah, the beauty of your work is truly stunning my friend! I really really enjoyed reading your fascinating and awe inspiring poem this morning! The dance of the leaves surely leaves an impression within my mind, that of fine beauty and a gorgeous sight! The picture you found is very beautiful, I love it! What a grand piece you have written here Greg! Great Work!! Gregory Richard Barden August 21, 2017 at 7:44 AM That's very kind of you, Russell, wonderful comments that I thank you for very much! I truly appreciate the words you give to me, and they always brighten my day ... I am blessed to have such fine friends here, and be in the company of such talented poets as yourself - truly blessed! :-)