Before You Leave.
As I was finishing my evening walk I was aware of the tumbling leaves beneath my feet as I made my way home. I stopped for a moment and picked up a leaf and I was conscious that I could feel immediately the crisp and brittle leaf tremble in my hand as if it was trying to protect itself from harm.
It lay so fragile as it rested in the palm of my hand. With the fingers of my other hand I gently touched it, its russet colours of Autumn faded now to a dull and lifeless hue. But as I looked more closely, there on the underside which had lain on the ground protected from the relentless heat of the summer was a glimmer of its yesterdays.
I saw the remnants of glorious golds and burnished copper along its back, and there right at the base of the leaf was the deepest of green that once was its original coat of splendour.
The leaf so delicate now as I held it, brittle and thin, seemingly lifeless but the colour that remained told me of the life that once was, not of the life that was no longer.
I saw the yesterday’s of its life, the way it would have held itself high upon a branch, moving with the wind, not against it but flexible and in harmony with its surrounds.
I saw once more the shade it had once brought to all that stood beneath it, the shelter that it gave to those that found the safety of the life that it held.
I felt beneath my touch the strength that was once there. I did not feel the demise of the leaf but the life it still held as it gave to me its yesterdays.
Then my thoughts went to the aged that we see often alone and discarded, their youth no longer bright and shiny. Their many summers had also taken its toll and the wisdom of their Autumn often faded and left to wither without recognition.
They are also brittle and tremble when touched, sometimes so fearful of harm. Yet they too hold the yesterdays that we can hear if we would only hold them gently and acknowledge the past colours of their own lives. Then they might speak…but will you listen?
Beautifully expressed, and written, and so very true!Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful. A lot to see in a leaf and in life.
Wonderfully written Cat, great analogy. Made me miss my Granny, she’s been gone a long time – 30 years. Seems like only yesterday, and yes, I am ever so glad I did listen, never stopped.
Another wonderful post Cat – thanks – and very thought provoking too… xxxx
Cat….your words are very soulful. You have a wonderful gift of expression and feeling. Lex xx
The sentiment of your beautiful flowing words are wonderful Cat, if only I had the chance to see mine grow old, I used to take pleasure in working with the elderly in an age care hospital here in Ballarat occupational therapy and health and fitness, and the talents some of the older generation had astounded me,even if they could not walk any more, they would do a little excersize in their chairs ,so i introduced wheel chair dancing to them,,the glow in their eyes to hear the music especially old time waltzes as we waltzed slowly around in their wheel chairs ,some would have tears in their eyes with memories I expect of days gone bye, of all the occupations I have had, that one was the most rewarding position I ever had, I learned so much about abilities, courage, kindness and love for ones fellow man, cant recieve a gift in life more precious than that.
Intricately written Cat. I felt I got to know the life of that leaf.
As much as I do try to talk and listen to those in need, I also am a little fearful myself. I am alone in life and the thought of being old, frail, suffering dementia etc. scares me.
Great post Cat, and wonderfully written.
This is so beautifully written Cat and so deeply touching. Our outsides belie what we feel inside xox
Thank you everyone, I feel it was a little rushed at the end, but a work in progress maybe just like us?
Beautiful text. Loved reading it. Thank you.
Hmm….Nah. What do they know.
Lol.
Kidding, Cat.