Stardust on Autumn Leaves

pale yellow shards of brittle glass
shatter under my feet
as I stroll along this grey patchwork of concrete
and if the world stutters precarious on its spurious axis,
I pay it no mind
the ice of my pupils melts into inky lashes 
that bleed cold down my face
and in my head,
I conjure a universe where
every contradiction, every illusion you did not believe in this one
becomes a reality 

all around me,
there are people breathing autumn air who know the art of exhaling
their throats don’t choke, and their tongues don’t freeze
at the thought of forgetting the taste
and that is what I remember hope to be

the galaxies and supernovas and black holes in my chest-
I am tired of their weight
it’s too much for a person, and I am just half of one
so I tell myself it’s not selfish 
to fall to frail knees on a faded sidewalk
to double over in searing throes
and give up on starry eyes,
even if it is their memory
that dusts begotten leaves
their golden brown edges crumble into goodbyes
under callous feet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Ashley Avatar
August 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Dear Hiba, I adore the depth and breadth of your poetic artistry. Your poem’s emotional and atmospheric imagery is breathtaking in its longing, its ache, its sorrow, its angst. The title is so alluring, a hint of what will follow… an exquisite poem. Your last lines impact one’s heart and soul deeply. Congratulations for your success in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Junaid Avatar
October 29, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Susan, it is so great to see you on my page. Thank you so much for your kind words that truly made me feel appreciated. I must return your compliments tenfold, as rightfully deserved by your talent. Best wishes.
Toney Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Hiba, your poem is haunting and full of melancholy. The last 4 lines especially resonate with me. A Fav poem. Congratulations on your top-10 finish on Mile 5 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, since Mile 6 has already started. You can find your overall standing in my Mile 5 blog post.
Junaid Avatar
October 29, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Thank you so, so much Toney!
Godwin Avatar
August 10, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Oh, it's our anniversary poem, the poem we met (so silly, as in 'the date we met'). Grab my hands and let's jump up and down, maybe do some squealing, yepper doodle.) Why is his marathon such a rush, I wonder when we know all things in life are perspective? Let's not contemplate (it isn't written down that we have to do that), but celebrate - Congratulations, love - Poetry hugs .... CayCay also, I will go thru ur poems soon, peek and poke for 'one'
Junaid Avatar
October 29, 2025 at 8:43 AM
I know I am seeing this months too late, and for that no apology will suffice. I just appreciate you so much, CayCay. You were and are a great friend. Happy belated anniversary, that is if you still want to be friends even though I haven't treated you right these past months. I mean to write you soup mail(s) as soon as possible.
Godwin Avatar
March 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Hello, my Free Verse Queen! I had to come get a Hiba-fix and this poem sure enough provided it. I was just telling my husband about you, how much I enjoyed your 'company' and emotions. Then I read this to him so he could 'experience' you. Have your ears been buzzing? It's late, Sweetie, I should go before I get late night silly giggles! Be golden ... CayCay
Junaid Avatar
March 16, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Hiya there (can I just say that I love your name? CayCay - it just rolls off the tongue in a very satisfying way) I am honored that you read this to your significant other. You are so sweet, my pal. Hope you had a good night's sleep <3
Riabi Dziri Avatar
February 2, 2025 at 1:31 AM
You blend the wonders of Mother Nature and its natural weathering of its might with your human nature and your inner struggle to maintain a harmonious Self.. so much liked and enjoyed your amazing verse! Stay always blessed and happy. Best regards.
Junaid Avatar
February 2, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Thank you Besma, honored to have you on my page <3
Kendrick Avatar
November 21, 2024 at 1:55 PM
Creative lines penned in this Free Verse work. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Sara K
Junaid Avatar
November 21, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Much Appreciated, Sara <3
Poet Avatar
November 12, 2024 at 10:53 AM
A remarkable rhyme reveals the weighty woes of emotional anguish and the relentless quest for hope amid heartache. It contemplates the contradictions of creation and the challenge to chase clarity in a cosmos that feels chaotic and confounding.
Junaid Avatar
November 12, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Ah thank you very much, Sotto!
One Avatar
November 11, 2024 at 12:27 PM
Wow Hiba, this is amazing poetry.. Your poem captures the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, expressing both the beauty and exhaustion of carrying emotions that feel as vast and boundless as the cosmos. It’s a deeply introspective piece that resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of internal contradictions and the ache of releasing long-held hopes. You know Rumi said, life is a balance of holding on and letting go....
Junaid Avatar
November 11, 2024 at 9:51 PM
Thank you, O Silent One, for recognizing the meaning within and for quoting Rumi - I did not know he said that before!
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