Michael Anthony
Michael Anthony
Jan 13, 2022

"Sun-catchers"

The trail leads gently up
and through the stand of trees
The day is chilled by autumnal winds
just in from the coast

I contemplate the desperation of the falling leaves
as they wander about in the bracing air
Carried by the breeze to where they will lie
And I wonder: “Are they bitter?”

Or do they accept their fate
as the annual benediction
of having served their purpose
reflected in the colors of the season?

The countless pigments of decomposition
abound in golden yellows, auburn browns,
and flourishes of crimson

The leaves are no longer needed
to catch the sun from spring and summer
I decide they are not cross
at the weight of their circumstances

Hopefully, they can perceive
the better part of the difference
between being resentful,
and acceptance of what will be
along the path we are on

About This Poem

Style/Type: Free verse

Review Request Direction: What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?

Review Request Intensity: I appreciate moderate constructive criticism

Editing Stage: Editing - polished draft

About the Author

Region, Country: San Francisco Bay Area - USA, USA

Favorite Poets: Bukowski

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More from this author

Comments

Abby

Abby

3 years 3 months ago

I like the imagery and the personification of the leaves. I also enjoyed the rhetorical question in the second stanza.

S

In line 3 I'd change fall to autumn. Not sure Why lol. Enjoyed this poem. Too bad we can't always resign ourselves to our ultimate fate

Geezer

I like the thought of leaves being "suncatchers" hence, the title.
Pigments of decompostion is a great line and starts the development
of a deeper appreciation of the theme. The personification of the leaves becomes
an acceptable part of the poem with the lines:

"The leaves are no longer needed
to catch the sun from Spring and Summer
I decide they are not cross
at all the weight of their circumstances."

Nice work, ~ Geez.
.

ember

ember

3 years 3 months ago

this poem is one of my favorites that ive read on here so far..
the pictures it painted inside my head were so pleasant, i have so many favorite lines on here
just beautiful.awesome job<3

Jackweb

There are essential tools that a poet uses to create and that is the use of poetic devices.

in the poem Sun- Catchers, you can identify personification by noticing any moment where the author describes something non- human with human characteristics.

rhetorical question: A question asked not for the answer, but for the effect.

Imagery: I believe poets uses this tool to draw his readers into sensory experience.

This poem turns me on and on. The usage of those literary devices gives it an exciting colour for taste.

Good piece Michael!

Jackweb

There are essential tools that a poet uses to create and that is the use of poetic devices.

in the poem Sun- Catchers, you can identify personification by noticing any moment where the author describes something non- human with human characteristics.

rhetorical question: A question asked not for the answer, but for the effect.

Imagery: I believe poets uses this tool to draw his readers into sensory experience.

This poem turns me on and on. The usage of those literary devices gives it an exciting colour for taste.

Good piece Michael!