In Sympathy

Protecting the peonies from gusty autumn
I cut a few and placed them in a favourite vase
on the window sill in full view of the garden.
Outside, a succession of leaves can be seen 
releasing their hold on the branches of trees
and float past the window bidding final farewell.
Indoors, the peonies drop their petals one by one,
landing on this very page where this poem was written.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
September 4, 2026 at 10:33 PM
Love this. It's such a sweet and creative way to express sympathy. A fave
Borg Avatar
September 5, 2026 at 5:13 AM
Thank you, Andrea. I always look forward to your visits and your thoughts.
Daniels Avatar
August 25, 2026 at 2:18 AM
Lovely gesture and observation, Pascal ! So much that turn of seasons teach us. We are smelling spring down here, though still very chilly. X.
Borg Avatar
August 25, 2026 at 6:17 AM
Thank you for your visit and encouraging comments, Ghairo. I do recall the welcome of spring after a very cold winter in Johannesburg and the promise of a beautiful summer.
Wolf Avatar
August 24, 2026 at 7:44 PM
I find this captivating, Pascal. The juxtaposition of the farewells of nature -- the leaves and the peonies -- set against the everlasting word(s) of the poem... Superb. ~ Gershon
Borg Avatar
August 25, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Thank you Gershon for this encouraging comment. It spurs me on.
Smith nee Howarth Avatar
August 23, 2026 at 4:37 PM
This is a beautifully poignant piece, Pascal. I love the gentle symmetry you have captured between the falling autumn leaves outside and the shedding peony petals indoors. The final image of the petals landing on the very page you are writing on is wonderfully delicate and immersive. Thank you for sharing such a vivid, reflective moment!
Borg Avatar
August 24, 2026 at 5:10 AM
Thank you Alison, I can always rely on you to bring my humble scribbles to life. Much appreciated.
Lane Avatar
August 23, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Peonies! My favorite of all blooms. Your poetry succeeds at placing me in the scene so that I easily see everyone through your descriptive eyes. I've always been one to mourn falling leaves and petals. Pascal. Very nicely composed.
Borg Avatar
August 23, 2026 at 2:32 PM
Don't belive everything a poet says, Lin, I tried growing peonies but never succeeded. Their petals seem to fall before I have a chance to bring the cut flower to the vase. Though I do like the Zen form of poetry. Thank you so much for visiting my patch, if I knew where to send them I'de send you some peonies through Interflora.
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