Letting Go

Imagine a man standing under Sycamore trees

Near a slow moving stream.

Imagine behind him young mothers push strollers.


It is Autumn. Wind rustles the aging yellow leaves flutter.

He has been here many times before.

He is watching turtles slip from a fallen tree into the stream.


Imagine a few leaves twist upward and fall. The trees are letting go.

I remember letting go of my father’s hand running to a stream we were about to fish.

I remember him letting go laughing carrying long thin rods.


Imagine small ducks drift across the shimmering water

And the leaves letting go of air and color surrender to the stream.

Small fish swim in the water feeding.


I imagine my wife behind the man pulling her sweater over her shoulders.

Maybe life is one long lesson in letting go.

Too soon, I will have to let go of all of this.


Imagine letting go of the man, the stream, the park,

All disappearing into the golden light pushing up through the Sycamore trees.

Imagine the light disappearing.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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

A  Avatar
May 6, 2016 at 9:11 AM
BILL, this is an awesome poem, thank you for sharing. ~SKAT~
A   Avatar
April 24, 2016 at 9:28 AM
Nice to see this one again, Bill.linda
Cook Avatar
September 18, 2010 at 5:32 PM
Destroyer poet and Mary Montgomery: Thank you for your generous comments. I appreciate your encouragement. - bill
A   Avatar
September 18, 2010 at 3:30 PM
the image is overwhelming. Enjoyed the scenery and the image of the man till the last line. have yourself a nice and wonderful day,..p.d.
Montgomery Avatar
September 18, 2010 at 3:04 PM
It made me think of my father good use of words.
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