Autumn is an amazing time here in New England…
I love the change of seasons—the maples, the
oaks—all of the deciduous trees decked out in their brightest finery. But I
often feel certain ambivalence with this change. We know from the moment the
first leaves thru that the cold, harsh winds of winter are soon to follow. It
stands a stark reminder of our own seasons, our own mortality.
I am often drawn to the parallels of man's
seasons vs. nature's own. This was written after one such moment of
contemplation. Having lost my parents before my 17th birthday, I once obsessed
on dying young. Now, having bypassed both age milestones of my parents'
mortality, I share this introspective moment: my fear, not of
dying, but of perhaps not living "enough…"
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| Photography by the author, Ginny Brannan |
On Fear and Falling Leaves
by Ginny Brannan
The leaves drop steadily, as
though last night’s frost
released some hidden trigger;
they race to hit the ground--
yellows, oranges, golds, reds
covering the lawn,
bidding final farewell
before frozen blanket again
coats my world.
I observe this spectacle
from inside, and wonder
of the trees bared weeks ago;
the gray ones, sap no longer
flowing to limbs furthest reaches.
Will winter weigh heavy,
snapping limbs, destroying hope
for another season, another chance?
My biggest fear…
not of my own mortality
as death is as inevitable…as
uncontrollable… as season’s change.
No, my fear is that of not living enough…
to never experience all I hope to
see,
people I’d like to meet, all the
wonders that lie waiting while I
juggle and struggle this reality
just to make ends meet.
…no more leaves to drop,
fading into final season
without chance of at least one
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| Photography by the author, Ginny Brannan |
Ginny Brannan: Residing in New England with husband of nearly 34 years, son and two cats, Ginny Brannan took poetry and creative writing courses in both high school and college. Foregoing degree, she headed directly into the workforce. In 2009, Ginny found herself out of work and facing the ominous task of finding employment in a cyber world and declining job market. Struggling to keep afloat, a long-time friend suggested she tap back into her creative side and pick up a pen and write (or Macbook and type as case may be). She credits the therapeutic effects of writing to getting her through this stressful time. Ginny writes both traditional poetry and free verse. She has been published in The River Muse, an on-line Art & Literary Journal. You may read more of her poetry on her website here, listen to her recite her poems here or connect with her Ginny on twitter.
~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~
This is something I fear as well. You've expressed it so well here, my friend. Kudos.
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