autumn lingers unfinished
though cold drops november
rain and waits undiminished
'til native summer sun remembers
what could unmake
when days full ache
bloom autumn colors
quick winter all borders
golds greens yellows
reds purples browns
a rusted rainbow frowns
as leaves scoot over meadows
fallen from mountain forest
after fields have given harvest
a father of one teaches his son.
chase catching leaves for fun
they twist turn swivel pirouette
lunge leap slide slice 'til earth is whet
while boy staggers with arms stretched
missing while dad knows misdirect fetched
two and three leaves while son fustrated
cries to quit but egged on infuriated
at last by chance or by experience
claps and traps one in victory dance
Copyright © Cornelius Brantley | Year Posted 2024
Categories:
brantley, autumn, color, father son,
Form: Free verse
I
Please help me and poor, "Coloured" residents of Newtown, 5720, E.C. become "civilized" about basic environmental rules and practices. Government fails us at all levels. Yes, I am praying, talking to people here & churches, and also cleaning the street as I just did ( 8am, RSA TIME on Wednesday 2, February, 2022).
II
I wait, practice, set examples
Today I made video samples
My neighbor threw plastic & diapers
Right outside my fence, as do others
But this Brantley manages a food store
I politely said, if U trash here, do it far
"It's on the curb; I'm closest to such fare"
His retort speaks sadly about Mandela
And the laureate legacy with Dalai Lama:
Brantley said: "don't worry, City burns it."
I took a video of his trash, will report it
III
I also pray
A good day
For all neighbors
Failing in manners
Won't become trash
Hate, injustice, cash
Categories:
brantley, 12th grade, pollution, prejudice,
Form: Free verse