Earlier in the year, I was walking along a city street with my family when my eyes were drawn to a flash of gold in the otherwise bare branches of a tree ahead. I knew instantly, when I realised it was a lone leaf, that I had to record it. When I looked for the best angle I realised that the windows of the building behind amplified the bare tree, making that gold really pop out. Snap, the photo was taken.
But later, when I tried to write a poem to match the photo, I drew a blank. Writing has been slow for me this year, and I just could not find the words to match the image. So, the phot0 sat on my computer and my phone, waiting.
Then, last Friday, the wonderful Carol Varsalona, asked if I had anything to contribute to her Abundant Autumn Gallery and I remembered my photo. I knew it was time! The photo came out and over the next few days, I started playing with ideas. I ended up with not one, but three possible poems for my image.
First this :
Rare treasure
Last leaf
Reflects, resplendent.
Then this:
Last leaf reflects
Saying to herself
‘I look grand in gold’.
But, the one I finally settled on was this:
Golden dancer
Pauses, anticipating
one final pirouette.
I’m hoping it captures that image I have (though didn’t get to see) of that leaf finally letting go and spiraling down to the ground.
Sometimes, a poem doesn’t come until it’s ready . You can’t force it – you have to leave it leaf it alone until it’s ready. Thanks for helping it along though, Carol.
For more Poetry Friday goodness, pop over to see the Roundup, hosted by Janice at Salt City Verse.
Thanks for sharing your process with this poem, Sally. “Golden dancer” is a vivid image and I love the promise of the pirouette at the end.
I think you finally nailed it, Sally – funny how some poems an take months or even years to materialize, but this one was worth the wait!
Just lovely, Sally. She does look grand in gold, and she’ll be a beautiful dancer as well!
Thanks Kimberly.
Gorgeous, Sally. I love the one you chose, and I adore that you held onto the image, waiting to give it its moment in the sun–scratch that–its moment in the wind :>)
Thank you Laura 🙂
The leaves fell when they were ready, thanks for sharing all three Sally. I also like the attitude in the 2nd haiku– and the dance of number 3 lovely, along with your pic, thanks!
Thank you Michelle. It’s a pleasure to have my poetry friday friends dance with me.
I have a personal fascination with leaves. My photographic library provides ample evidence of this, so you piqued my curiosity Sally. A solitary leaf depicted with well chosen, yet brief description seemed delightfully appropriate. I particularly enjoyed the final poem. Loved your word play too. It is in the noticing of things others overlook that sets a writer apart. Your keen observation has delivered these wondrous words.
Thank you Alan. It’s wonderful when the right few words can say just what it is you want to capture.
What a gorgeous photo! I so enjoyed reading the journey of your image and its poem. I have so many photos that are waiting for poems to join them. Your final version is just perfect and gives me hope that some day something or someone might nudge my own hibernating poems into being.
Thank you Molly. I like the idea of thinking of them as hibernating poems. They come forth when the time is right. Love to you x
I have often had the same experience of a poem or other piece of writing coming when it’s ready. Thanks for this lovely piece!
It’s nice when it happens, isn’t it. Thanks for visiting Ruth.
Glad you finally found the words for your lovely leaf photo, Sally. Enjoyed all three poems. The second one made me smile (I love her confidence), and I like the dancer’s pirouette in the third. Thank you!
And thank you, Jama, for visiting and enjoying.
I’m glad you finally found the words for your wonderful leaf photo. I enjoyed all three poems. The second made me smile, as did the third with that one final pirouette. Nice work!!
How great that you waited for just those words that meant much to you, Sally. I enjoyed each one but the “final pirouette.” encompasses all. Anticipation is a lovely thing in life, I think. Happy Weekend!
Thankyou Linda. And the same to you x
Loved your pun, “leaf it alone.” It made me laugh. I loved the image of this shining gold leave dancing. Leaves in the fall are like snowflakes all different.
Thanks Janice. If I can make someone laugh in 2020 then I am satisfied 🙂
one final pirouette… I love how your poem takes us beyond the frame. Beautiful! xo
Thank you Irene x
How beautiful the creative process, the photo, each poem, especially the piorutte. And evermoreso, the prompt from Carol! Serendipity + artists’ hearts. xo
Thank you Jan. Carol is an inspiration of her very own!
Your photo reminds me of my time in Adelaide during May Gibbs – and the one big plane tree in the middle of the college… and waiting for (and so glad I could capture!) that last leaf. (In fact, I kept the leaf in my room, when it did finally drop.) I’m so glad you kept working on that poem, because I love the pirouette.
Thanks Kat. Yes, it’s funny how when the right word finally comes it seems just so obvious that it’s what was needed.
Sally, I am so surprised. I was reading your post and there it was my name popped out at me. I was sitting next to my husband and shared my glee as I read to him. your poems. I do love what you chose and it fits with me thinking these days since I have been leaf gazing. The skydancers are really revving up for a grand ball. I can’t wait for you to send your #imagepoem and I share it in my Abundant Autumn Gallery. Many thanks.
I’m glad you saw your name – thanks for inspiring me!
I love our long-distance connection, Sally. Have a great week.
You too Carol. I’ve sent you the image.
Sally, a lone gold leaf feels magical as do your poems. I especially like “Golden dancer” It a perfect image. I can just picture that beautiful leaf dancing its way to the ground.
Thank you Linda. Part of me wishes I got to witness the moment it fell – and part of me likes to imagine it still poised there.