the leaves forget

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 ☘ ☘ ☘

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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