The Sacrifice of the Forest

haven't laughed much lately
the sound just doesn't hold the same meaning
not when the trees taunt me by dropping their leaves
making me think it's alright to sit quietly, bleeding

death comes so easily for them
and i sit watching each fall with such envy
my autumn has come and gone, and I'm still here
the leaves never have to stay long enough to feel this empty

i sit and imagine myself as one of them
tired and weak, falling, floating, letting go
not having to explain why i couldn't stand up to the wind
everyone understands that I'm just making room for others to grow

letting my life into the soil, finally serving a purpose
what a sense of accomplishment that would be
i can almost taste the anticipation i would feel while falling
knowing that more deserving ones will be able to live because of me

the human existence is far more complicated however
and i find myself staring at the forest in shame
knowing that their death is more noble and self sacrificing
than this self centered depression that i should just try and tame

I manage to peel my mind off the forest floor
amidst all the martyred leaves i wanted so desperately to become
i breathe in the life they have given up and decide
that i can't leave with so much yet to be done
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Foster Avatar
December 17, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Congrats Joshua for mking it through round one and good luck in the finals. God Bless, Always, Adell
Heck Avatar
November 30, 2008 at 3:31 AM
Joshua - Congratulations on your poem making Round One of the PSoup poetry contest! Wishing you all the best in the finals and have a Happy Holiday season. Peace always, John
Winter Avatar
November 11, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Congrats on making it through to the first round! Good luck in the finals! Love, Shar
George   Avatar
November 10, 2008 at 2:16 AM
Dear Joshue, This is exceptional writing. Very unique and captivating style. Best wishes in the next round. Lainie
Jordan Avatar
November 1, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Joshua - Congrats on your poetry making it through to the next round – Great Job & God Bless
Sheart Avatar
October 27, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Hi Joshua Congrats on your amazing poetry making the semi-finals and good luck in the final round! Love Light Truth Patricia
Brown Avatar
October 27, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round. Good luck in the finals. Love, Carol
Mason Avatar
October 25, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Awesome write here, Joshua!! You've said so many things about life and yeah, where would we be without the trees ... LOL ... not alive thats for sure! I enjoyed this one and its a well-deserved feature this week! Congratulations on your writing being selected!
Cooper Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 4:16 PM
very well said I like the way this sounds
Austin Avatar
October 23, 2008 at 4:00 AM
This is the autumn spell...the spell can also be very beautiful as in your final stanza. You've said a lot in a few words and said them most profoundly. This sounds like old age...correct me if I'm wrong. As an old timer I can appreciate your write. Love, daver
Brown Avatar
October 22, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
Richards Avatar
October 20, 2008 at 6:14 AM
Beautifully done poetry!! Congratulations on a fine work being featured!! ~ Carrie
Jordan Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Joshua congrats on having this outstanding poem featured this week - God bless
Winter Avatar
October 19, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Joshuah, congratulations on this awesome poem being featured this week. So well deserved. Love, Shar
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