here fall
the gingko leaves
fluttering yellow
fans
cartwheeling freely
onto
a carpet
so radiant
like old memories
loosened
by wind’s cool
breath
(see how fall’s decay
convenes
past golden moments)
outshining daffodils
which lack
ginkos’ wisdom
autumn’s stories
Navigation
The format of “Gingko Leaves” originated with the lively verse of one of my favourite poems, “Fireflies” by Linda Paston from The New Yorker, June 12, 2012.
It was also inspired by the these words: “Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than daffodils. Spring is a call to action, hence to disillusion, therefore is April called “the cruellest month.” Autumn is the mind’s true Spring; what is there we have, “quidquid promiserat annus” and it is more than we expected. Cyril Connolly, The Unquiet Grave, 1944 [Originally published under the pseudonym Palinurus. Translation of the Latin phrase: Before our eyes stood all the promise of the year.”
6 Responses
Your poem has given me new appreciation for my own ginkgo tree in the Buddha bed in my back yard. It was a glowing light in the dreary November days.
Autumn flowering camellias brighten November out here too don’t they?
Love whole poem! Such beautiful words “cartwheeling…..loosened…”phrases ” here fall…..autumn’s stories”
A poem for those in the autumn of their lives.
This reminds me of my November visits to Vancouver. The leaves were always so beautiful compared to our bare trees in Saskatchewan.
Yes, Autumn is a long season here compared to the prairies where some years yellow leaves can fly off in a week.