Wafting Leaves

Crimson leaves gently wafting to the ground, thou hast done thy duty!
You graced my maple tree, now you adorn my lawn with untold beauty!
I saw thy nativity as buds in spring and throughout the summer days.
Now in the autumn of thy lives you carpet my lawn with scarlet blaze!

Alas, the subtle winds of October loosed thy grip on that ancient tree.
It saddens me somewhat to see thee go but you've had a glorious spree!
I saw thee dancing in the summer breezes and you provided shade for me.
You weathered the storms of pelting rain and hail with grace and dignity!

Robins that nested 'neath thy sheltering canopy have taken wing,
But they'll return to set up housekeeping again come next spring!
Squirrels scurried 'mongst thee, playing hide and seek on summer days,
And sprawled 'neath thy jade umbrella to avoid the sun's searing rays!

You've shed thy brilliant leaves and now the old maple looks so stark.
As if in prayer, its barren limbs reach for the sky with furrowed bark!
I anticipate thy return next spring - you've given me so much pleasure!
Bleak winter days lie ahead but the beauty of thy season I shall treasure!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Entry for Carol Brown's "Leaves" Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Freeman Avatar
October 13, 2011 at 1:53 PM
Great Rhyme Robert, a winner with me congratulations. Agape, Moses
Guzzi Avatar
October 12, 2011 at 4:56 PM
True love...I see a gardner here? Congrad's Light & Love
Ramage Avatar
October 12, 2011 at 1:57 PM
So very nice Bob. I can treasure the autumn for sure, but I have to say the only time I treasure winter is Christmas time, other than that, snow be gone! congratulations on your win. Another wonderful poem. Lee
Sweetheart Avatar
October 12, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Congrats Bob on a superb win with this beautiful composition on leaves for the contest my friend.. amazing lines of fantastic imagery flowing with excellent rhyme.. hey Tebo looked great on Sunday .. Denver has found it's hero luv..
Quigley Avatar
October 12, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Nicely said Bob. Congratulations on your win in Carols Leaves contest
Richards Avatar
October 12, 2011 at 10:45 AM
You make nature even more wonderful than the view outside my window!! Congratulations on this lovely poem!!
Brown Avatar
October 12, 2011 at 7:55 AM
Congratulations on your winning poem in my contest "Leaves Leaves Leaves" judged today 10/12/2011. Thank you for your support of my contest Bob. Love, Carol
Song Avatar
October 7, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Carol will want to jump right in this leaf poem of yours...crimson colors, thy nativity as buds in spring...wow weee. U have described all the benefits of this special maple..such a friend to benefit you like he does..you even shared your tree with the robins! Much enjoyed. ..We changed mind and went to Columbus Zoo...leaves not in full splender yet. Going very soon...I shall write one for you when I soak up all the beauty, Robert. So excited, I took a week off to photograph and write.
Devonshire Avatar
October 7, 2011 at 2:33 PM
It really is sad to see those colorful leaves fall, Bob. I love the way you worked your rhyme and meter so well to create the images of October winds, birds nesting and squirrels scurrying. LOL Now, it's your duty to rake them! Best wishes in carol's contest. Love, Carolyn
Ball Avatar
October 6, 2011 at 5:23 PM
Excellent verse my friend. For those of us who love trees this has special meaning. So beautiful. God Bless, JB
Wesley Avatar
October 6, 2011 at 4:49 PM
A treasure to read Bob, an amazing canopy to muse under! Hugs to you.
Devnath  Avatar
October 6, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Thanks for giving me congratulation, my friend. You have nicely penned 'Wafting Leaves'. Enjoyed it and loved it. bl
Dietrich Avatar
October 6, 2011 at 12:46 AM
Great title for this charming poem, Robert. sure to do well in the contest. Boy, I have a lot to catch up with here but still no time to do it!!
Gorelick Avatar
October 5, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Mr Bob, youve got another winner here.. Your rhymes are always so great..not at all forced...I am faving this one. BG
Jones Avatar
October 5, 2011 at 8:43 PM
who does the rakin'? (spoken as a woman in need of a gardener... and chauffeur and chef and housekeeper and secretary and butler...) Beauty eve to ya, Bob. Namaste~N
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