The Sound of Leaves

Walking	-     leaves crackle crisply
Strolling	-     leaves shuffle and bugs scamper
Running	-     leaves crack and explode powder dry
Sitting	-     leaves clack softly as they hit the ground

Walking in snow - leaf voices are muted
as the white blanket
covers them for their winter nap.

Walking in a spring rain - leaves sigh softly
as they succumb to decomposition,
dissolving into the delicate lace that nourishes the earth.

Walking in summer shade - leaves now green,
humming to themselves in the hot breezes,
sneezing as they dust themselves off.

Walking in leaves of fall - dying; they sing a dirge, mourning summer.
 — mulch now — 
they contemplate their own demise,
waiting for spring.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Waldrop Avatar
May 5, 2015 at 9:50 PM
I loved your poem. After reading this poem and seeing the beautiful and wisdom with-in it. I wanted to write you and tell you thank you for the smile.
Brown Avatar
September 27, 2011 at 10:32 AM
I am stopping by your amazing poetry today to thank you for your kind comments on my writing Judith. Hope you have an inspiration filled week. Love, Carol
Meyer Avatar
September 27, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Hi Carol! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and say hello. I know I don't do enough of that. I send your wishes back that you too have an inspirational week. Your Friend, Judy
Austin Avatar
June 25, 2010 at 2:50 PM
I love this idea - leaves making sound. I'd never quite thought of that, but leaves are a constant fixation of mine - looking out the window, watching the millions of leaves in their various season. Love, daver
Rider Avatar
October 11, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Hope you win the money prize with one of your 3 wonderful entries!
Sheart Avatar
October 4, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Beautifully written, congrats again on two making semi's. Good luck in finals! Love Light Truth Patty
 Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Judith, I just wanted to drop by and add--Congratulations on having three poems make it through the first round in the contest. Good luck in the finals! Karen
George   Avatar
September 25, 2009 at 5:56 AM
Three wonderful entries. Best wishes through to the next round. Lainie
Brown Avatar
September 24, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Congratulations on your 3 poems making it through the first round.Wishing you the best in the finals Judith. Love, Carol
Moreno Avatar
July 9, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Judith, congrats on your feature...Raul
Rider Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Congratulations on being featured Mom, this is one of my favorites! I love the feel and the feeling it evokes. ~Tru~~
Mckenzie Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 12:13 PM
Judith wonderfully expressed piece of poetry I love the form as well Congratulations on your featured poem! Laura :)
Fraser Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem>>James
 Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 9:17 AM
I like the creative format. Interesting use of imagery. Congratulations on having your poem featured. I wish you continued success with your writing. Karen
Brown Avatar
July 6, 2009 at 5:57 AM
Congratulations on your featured poem this week Judith.I know we will see many more. Love, Carol
Tugaff Avatar
July 5, 2009 at 11:29 PM
It's a unique way of displaying your talent in the world of poetry. Congratulations and God bless. Ernilando
Rider Avatar
June 16, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Makes me remember falling backwards into big piles of raked leaves and being attacked by big playful dogs in the middle! I love this poem! I thought you would like my horsie poem...it's an oldie. Thats the one I told you I'd like to see if I can get published in a horsie magazine. ~Tru~
Winter Avatar
May 11, 2009 at 12:30 PM
There is something beautiful and fascinating about leaves in every season. You have captured it so well in this most unique poem. Makes me want to go outside and take a walk! Also reminds me of when I was young and could study a leaf for hours. How great is that memory? Awesome write. Love, Shar
Fuller Avatar
May 10, 2009 at 5:29 PM
I love the way you bing about the different senses in the words. The end...and teh new beginning. Beautiful work. My best. ~Charlie
Moreno Avatar
May 10, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Beautiful work, love the structure...Raul
Devonshire Avatar
May 10, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Great images and sounds in this poem, Judith. Especially love the way you describe leaf voices as muted by snow and decomposing in spring rain. Outstanding work! Happy Mother's Day to you! Love, Carolyn
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