As I daydream by my window, snug & warm, and watch the world transition to winter, an homage to autumn felt so good to me. This poem was the result.
For the lit nerds (like me), this poem has some tasty autumnal snacks – but most of all, it’s anchored around personification and allusion.
I love the notion of leaves forgetting or the trees complaining about their knees. That personification feeds something in me…. tickles old memories, creates characters of sorts from “inanimate” things.
For those who regularly read my work, you know of my great love for mythic allusion. This poem alludes to the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone. A sad and poignant tale of love and loss.
Quick read if interested: https://alltimeshortstories.com/demeter-and-persephone/
As always, I would suggest reading the poem first, then exploring the mythology, then give the poem a reread. You won’t regret it.
Love to hear your thoughts in the Comments section below.
-PS Conway ☘ ☘ ☘

☘ ☘ ☘ ☘ ☘
the leaves forget
the leaves forget how to be green
sunlit memories washed away
by gray tearful clouds weeping in
indenture to Demeter’s mourning
fitful puffs of mistral sneezes
flow frigid ‘long fingerless oak limbs
hair-barren mantles shiver midst
ancient silvan knees complaining
wee birds feast on pomegranate seeds
dropped by Persephone on her
windswept journey back to her love
as the leaves forget how to be green
I really love this. It’s beautiful yet melancholy – a perfect homage to autumn.
Cheers, Emily! Lovely comment… thank you! 🙏🍷🖤🥀
A beautifully worded piece encapsulating the depth of feeling many feel around autumn.
Thank you!! I am definitely one of those people enamored with autumn. 🍃🍂🙏🍷
I love this poem! The myth of Demeter and Persephone is one of my favorite myths of mother’s love. The sadness of Demeter as her daughter returns to Hades is contrasted with the signs of Autumn.
Thank, PS! 💯 personal fave of mine, too! 🍂🍃🙏🍷