A LEAF by Ana Lisa de Jong

A Leaf

by Ana Lisa de Jong

In the universe there is a small leaf floating.

It might seem alone

amongst the myriad of stars,

the dark expanse, the circling solar winds.

But on the leaf's surface is a small world floating.

Minuscule and intricate,

a little universe in a nutshell.

And in this minute universe

there are countless forests leading back, 

path upon path into eternity.

And many more leaves than there are trees. 

And each leaf afloat 

upon the autumn gusts,

a singular world enclosed, 

and encircled too by solar winds 

and planets, 

and stars bright as pin pricks, 

luminous 

in the darkness.

Yes, in this universe within a universe, 

within a revolving eternity,

there is a small leaf floating,

and not as alone as it seems, 

the dark night 

a deep bassinet, 

the solar winds its gentle rocking. 

As the Holy One 

moving across waters,

and carrying us each, 

light as we are, 

feathers upon God's breath. 

Living Tree Poetry 
(October 2021)

Ana Lisa de Jong a poet and inspirational writer, mother and wife, and Chaplains Administrator for the New Zealand Defense Force. (Not always in that order) Ana Lisa rediscovered the joy of writing in her 40's, her first published piece appearing in 'Refresh Journal of Contemplative Spirituality'. Ana Lisa has published seven inspirational poetry books in the span of seven years, with Lang Book Publishing. With a family and day job, Ana Lisa doesn't submit her work widely, preferring to spend her free time writing, but is an occasional contributor to Godspace and continues to have her work published in 'Refresh Journal of Conteplatice Spirituality'. Ana Lisa lives and writes in the beautiful North West Region of Auckland, New Zealand. To order copies of her poetry books click here. Ana Lisa also gives away complementary PDF copies of her poetry collections on various themes. If interested, please contact her via Facebook here or her website.

*For submission guidelines, click here

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