The Tree and Its Leaves

A tree, quite like the rest, it told
The leaves of fading red to leave their branch
and seek some tool or trick to cure the cold
That surely soon would set. The leaves
complied and tumbled down, determined to
Do something for the tree. With open mouths
They cried back loud: "Deceitful tree, why have
You tricked us so?" The tree replied in haste,
"I jest you not, the tools are there, just look
Until you find. The leaves of red (now brown),
They thought no more, and searched and did not find.

With branches bare, the Tree
Had found at last what it
Had sought. It stretched its limbs,
Relieved of weight, but died
The day after the next.

In death the leaves were shown the Truth--
That Trees are selfish things, but crafty too.
It showed them what they feared the most, also
Finding what it had wanted all along.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Guzzi Avatar
March 24, 2009 at 6:00 AM
Oh I really liked the dialogue!
Guzzi Avatar
March 24, 2009 at 5:56 AM
This is personification, the form. The tree is not dead it sleeps. The leaves are dead as leaves but turn into food for the tree as they decompose. Nothing is wasted in God's universe. Light & Love
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace