The last leaves are golden,
most have already flown. Branches
hang bare beneath ashen skies.
Not so different from when you climbed,
hand over slow hand, waging a war
inside your young mind. One leaf
breaks free, hangs on a moment,
before leaping into the maelstrom.
I imagine a short fall,
sharp jerk and silence;
but it’s only a leaf and spirals away,
no note to mark its passing.
– Ryan Stone
Beautiful, Ryan!
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Thank you, dear Al π
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π
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Dont know if you meant it – after all, everyone takes away something different from another’s poetry and it’s best to leave it open to interpretation – but i read a message in there which I like!
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That’s the nicest feedback to receive, thank you Kunal. I like the idea that my words meant something to you and found their way into your musings. Thank you so much, my friend π
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You’re welcome, Ryan! Carry on the good work!
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Deep and mysterious. β€
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That’s me π
Thanks, Em
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Well…I like you. ππΌ
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Thanks! Right back atcha π
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Brilliant ending π
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Thank you, Nina. Happy you liked it π
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π
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Beautiful melancholia induced by your words Ryan β€
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Thanks, Nat. Lovely as always π
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and we are forever changed with each leaf that blows away. lovely, ryan –
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So true, Beth. Insightful as ever. Thank you π
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There are so many brilliant metaphors in these lines.
I love how you talk of leaves but really you donβt. There is so much more behind your words than what they seem at first. It is like unwrapping a gift, finding a beautiful box, itself enclosing a present even more meaningful and precious. Thank you for this journey into the workings of your beautiful mind.
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Thank you for your beautiful feedback. Your thoughtful words mean a lot and have started off my day so nicely. Thank you so much for such kindness π
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My comment only reflects my pleasure to read you. Your words deserved the praise. I am glad it brightened up your day. Have a beautiful sunday Ryan!
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π
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Lovely Ryan.
Have a great weekend.
π
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Thank you, Staci, and I wish you the same π
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Beautifully tragic, Ryan. Lovely image as well. π
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Thank you, Kelly π
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Welcome, Ryan! Have a good weekend! π
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Thanks, Kelly. You too π
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Loss can feel so much like that. You have a talent of describing emotions pertaining to other things. Always love reading you
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Always love being read. Thank you, dear Carisa π
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Speechless, R. Brought tears to my eyes. β€οΈ
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Thank you so much, dear Yusra π
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Many paths in which we are led, or reluctant to follow. Lovely imagery here Ryan. Wishing you much happiness this weekend. β€
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Thank you for your lovely words, Elizabeth. I hope yours is magic too π
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I will get to see loads of growing things this weekend, so my verdant heart will be filled up for sure. β€
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Gorgeous writing, Ryan–I love the leaf hanging on a moment!
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Thank you, my friend π
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You’re welcome–I loved all of it, and that part stood out…I’ll save it in my keepsake memory.
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π
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Ryan, for me βAdriftβ is intensely sad, however I want to assure you itβs intensely beautiful as well. Lovely job of stirring the emotions. Itβs always a pleasure to read your poetry. Take good care, enjoy your weekend. ~ Mia
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Hello, dear Mia. Thank you. Intuitive as ever – it was written as an intensely sad poem as part of my grieving process. Your thoughts are warmly received. I hope your weekend is wonderful, too π
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Ryan, you’re most welcome and thank you.
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Ryan, I am just now discovering your amazing blog, late on a Friday night. There is something so haunting and beautiful about fall and the state of decay that accompanies it. You have so richly captured it here. I look forward to reading more of your work…Lola
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Thank you for dropping by and taking the time to leave such lovely comments, Lola. It means so much. Hopefully you won’t be a stranger π
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This has strong feelings inside. To be like that leaf.. falling and returning back to earth, enjoying the last moments worry free, and happy. Wow Ryan. A very poignant and moving piece. It reminded me of the novel A Separate Peace a bit, by by John Knowles.
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Thank you, Dajena. It’s a very personal poem and I really like your thoughts. I haven’t read that novel-any good?
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π I taught it for a few years, and I like it. Maybe when boys are older, you can read it together.
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