The Fate of a Crimson Leaf

A cold November wind blows through the leaves
that chills the mighty oak trees to their bark;
and in the shiver that the wind-wave weaves,
a single leaf’s left swirling in the dark.

Upon the ground this crimson leaf alights
among the other leaves that settled down;
all fallen from their limbs of lofty heights,
and slowly does their beauty turn to brown.

While once she thrived in youth upon her branch,
she now knows sadly that her days are spent.
And grieving for this leaf’s now faded chance,
this aging poet too must give assent.

Whereas the forest and the world consort,
both leaves and poet’s lives are measured short.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Smith  Avatar
September 10, 2026 at 11:37 PM
A moving Shakespearean sonnet, gracefully shaped around autumn’s inevitable decline. The crimson leaf becomes a poignant mirror for the aging poet, while the closing couplet gives the poem a calm, universal acceptance of life’s brief measure. A very worthy winner in the sonnet contest. Congratulations 👏🥳
Seeker Avatar
September 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Warmest congratulations on your top win in Brian’s contest, John. The message deserves an epilogue or sequel though, in my opinion, with the leaf resurrecting, rising like the Phoenix to full glory.
Dietrich Avatar
September 10, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Ahhh soulful and beautiful . congrats on a too win
Onclaud Avatar
September 1, 2026 at 5:40 PM
about aging...grimly beautiful in mood and language, john...a pleasure to read you again!
Nicole Avatar
August 18, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Moments move like ' a Crimson Leaf, ' soft and tender, yet... they flutter away as time lingers. There's joy in knowing, new moments are born every day. It's so wonderful reading thoughts from your golden pen, my sweet friend. My best to you, John. Always. Hugs, Brandy
Gondolf Avatar
August 19, 2026 at 6:30 AM
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Brandy, and for supporting my poetry. Hugs, John
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