The Gilded Leaves of Autumn

I hear the gilded leaves of autumn sigh
As underneath the oak I seek repose,
As if they sense that death is drawing nigh
For sunlight wanes and veins begin to close.

How often have I sat beneath your shade
And bared the deepest secrets of my heart,
You were our witness when true vows were made
And through the passing years our love did chart.

Sweet moments cherished here bring healing balm
And rescue me from sorrow's deep despair.
I close my eyes and feel a sense of calm
As echoes of shared laughter fill the air.

For there in my mind's eye I see your face,
My sweetheart, husband, long-abiding friend,
Pretend that I still feel your warm embrace,
For such a loss is hard to comprehend.

Yet just as gilded leaves of autumn fall
The cycle of our life must run its course.
And happy is the soul who at the call
Is rooted in love's deepest, purest source.


08/09/18

Impress Me With An Old Poem (002) Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Poet Destroyer A
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Chiri Avatar
January 12, 2020 at 1:12 PM
Wendy I love this! Should have placed higher! Congratulations on HM!;)
Kulkarni Avatar
October 24, 2019 at 2:47 PM
Very touching words Wendy!! I love the title; Glided leaves of Autumn!! Beautifully penned!
La France Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 9:51 AM
Wendy congratulations on your Podium Place in Brian's Blog Series with this lovely write !
Toney Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 8:39 AM
Wendy, this is even lovelier than when I first read it back in January :) ~Mark
Delaney Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 8:28 AM
A lovely symbol of unchanging love. Best, SuZ
Carber Avatar
June 10, 2019 at 11:51 AM
This is beautiful Wendy, quite beautiful--congrats on your win.
Watson Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 4:50 AM
Thank you for your encouraging remark,L.J.
Devonshire Avatar
January 13, 2019 at 4:38 AM
Wow, this is amazing, Wendy. It made me think of my late husbands and special times we shared. Congratulations on your well-earned win in Mark's contest! Best wishes, Carolyn
Watson Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 4:49 AM
Thank you so much,Carolyn. Thankfully this was fictional but true for many.
Canerdy Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 5:28 PM
Wendy, CONGRATULATIONS on your well-deserved win! EXCELLENT! Janice
Watson Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 4:49 AM
Thank you for your kind remark,Janice.
Gauthier Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 4:16 PM
Congrats on your podium finish, Wendy. Superbly penned.
Watson Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 4:48 AM
Thank you for 'stopping by', Line.
Toney Avatar
January 12, 2019 at 3:25 PM
Wendy, this is very poignant and beautiful. Congrats on your win on mile 10 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon contest! By continuing to place in the contest you are accumulating points toward the final. ~Mark
Watson Avatar
October 23, 2019 at 4:48 AM
What an honour! Thank you for your appreciation of my efforts,Mark.
Marcum Wong Avatar
October 1, 2018 at 1:12 AM
Stunningly beautiful Wendy! Very deserving of your First placement! Congratulations! : )
Watson Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:59 AM
Your feedback is much appreciated,Connie.
Gauthier Avatar
September 26, 2018 at 6:36 AM
Lovely, Wendy. Congrats on your well deserved top win.
Watson Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:58 AM
Thank you for your continued encouragement,Line.
Barden Avatar
September 24, 2018 at 8:07 AM
Just adore this, Wendy ... exquisite imagery, wonderful description and rhythm, excellent phrasing and word usage, and such a poignant and tender theme ... superb work! Blessings! :-) <3
Watson Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:58 AM
I'm honoured to receive such positive comments from you Greg. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment.
May Avatar
September 19, 2018 at 8:17 PM
The oak becomes a witness to despair as the gilded leaves of autumn sigh..Congrats on your win Wendy..
Watson Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Yes, and then a comfort as a place shared together. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment,Joseph.
Smith Avatar
September 19, 2018 at 7:07 PM
Congrats Wendy, a pleasure to read :)
Watson Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:55 AM
Thank you so much,Gary. This was fictional but I could imagine the pain of losing someone after many years of happiness.
Sands Avatar
September 19, 2018 at 6:54 PM
This poem is excellent. I love it. Very well written Congratulations for your win :)
Watson Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:53 AM
That's so kind of you,Heidi. It must be so painful to lose someone who has been in your life for so many years.
Green Avatar
September 11, 2018 at 4:07 PM
This was absolutely beautiful Wendy. It really touched my heart as I read it. I could picture that tree as if I were sitting beneath it myself. I loved this
Watson Avatar
September 11, 2018 at 4:23 PM
What wonderful comments, Chris. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings in this way. I am enjoying trying to be poetically creative! Trees would certainly reveal some interesting secrets if they could converse with us!
Wood Avatar
September 11, 2018 at 9:52 AM
Oh, Wendy. This is just beautiful. I truly hope this was not your loss you refer to. This poem deserves some recognition. Good luck in your contest! Dean
Watson Avatar
September 11, 2018 at 4:17 PM
How kind of you Dean to give such positive feedback. Thankfully I was not speaking from personal experience in this case but appreciate what deep hurt others suffer in such situations and how important a special shared memory can be.
Dietrich Avatar
September 10, 2018 at 6:19 PM
wow, Wendy. I would be flabbergasted not to see this one on the winners' list when the contest gets judged. It's absolutely marvelous.
Watson Avatar
September 11, 2018 at 4:15 PM
It's very kind of you to have read and commented with enthusiasm, Andrea. It means a lot to someone who is just starting out on this poetic venture! Thank you.
Cunningham Avatar
September 9, 2018 at 12:17 PM
A well written verse Wendy, a loss of a loved one is painful and you're only left with good memeories. Good luck Tom
Watson Avatar
September 9, 2018 at 12:25 PM
I'm grateful for your encouraging comments, Tom. Thankfully this was not written from personal experience.
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