Wabi-sabi

The beauty of the leaves embraced their difference As they shriveled ‘neath the sap drained Maple Celebrating their continuum in the soil A sadness tinged the sun’s smile The mindless flocks fled, as did my thoughts In search of kinder climes devoid of tears Guided through the present by the past Sifting through the distant clouds of when Gnarled trees contort ensnared in climbing vines Age punished by the neediness of youth Old men enshrined on crumbling park benches Children chasing wingless butterflies Soft lines embrace the aura of a face Alone against the backdrop of its foes Walking as the rain turns into mud Its presence now become a distant stream

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Suzette Richards

Date: 12/10/2023 11:27:00 PM

I enjoyed this celebration of nature. But I am trying to get my head around "wingless butterflies". :)

John Lawless
Date: 12/11/2023 3:57:00 PM

Well, could be the cocooned dreams of the children or a hunt for a caterpillar or.....

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 12/10/2023 6:44:00 PM

a deep, thought-provoking poem with such sadness. Your imagery was remarkable and captivating. Enjoy your week,Sara.

John Lawless
Date: 12/11/2023 4:04:00 PM

thanks Sara, alway appreciate your visits

Bill Baker

Date: 12/10/2023 4:06:00 PM

Riddled with sadness, yet meaningful shining through your creative imagery, my friend. A difficult form for most, but maybe not so much for you, John. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

Silent One

Date: 12/10/2023 7:14:00 AM

A sadness tinged the sun's smile... the sun here must be pretty melancholic... this is a deep poem... nice to see the diversity of your pen.

John Lawless
Date: 12/11/2023 4:03:00 PM

thanks silent one, my pen has been dipped in the ink of diversity as has my life and family.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 12/10/2023 4:35:00 AM

Flows gracefully, though yearningly, through the thoughts. Beckons the warmth of a Springtime kiss. So melancholic that the promise can't resist - it is tender and blessed and shines - as the poet who wrote it. God bless you always, with love, Gina

John Lawless
Date: 12/11/2023 4:00:00 PM

Oh, my, thank you for the kind words Regina

Lin Lane

Date: 12/10/2023 3:52:00 AM

You made the sun frown at seeing withered leaves just as I do. Melancholic and nostalgic, the sadness of old age weeps in your lines, John. I wish you well in the contest.

Lin Lane
Date: 12/11/2023 4:08:00 PM

I didn’t say you were old, melancholic or nostalgic, just the words of your write. Tough city kids and ironworks aren’t made of steel. They need hugs and love, too. ;-)

John Lawless
Date: 12/11/2023 3:59:00 PM

hey, hey, I'm a tough city kid, ironworker, who you callin' melancholic and nostalgic

Paul Willason

Date: 12/10/2023 3:45:00 AM

The sublime is always touched with a special sadness...unfortunately English has no equivalent to the Japanese wabi-sabi. A superb poem John with remarkable imagery...spent some time deep in this one.

John Lawless
Date: 12/11/2023 3:58:00 PM

thanks Paul, I had now idea what this was all about....but....a little research.....a bit of reflection....and Viola...Ze Poem