Submitted by Ken Gierke
Wait for the brink of the falls to touch the roiling waters at its base,
or the maple to bend its branches to kiss the leaves lying at its feet.
One drop will follow another, and the precipice remain.
New buds will open, and the tree stand tall.
But autumn leaves will crest those falls, kiss the waters waiting below.
I will breathe the mist hanging motionless.
The moment will end.
My life will continue,
each moment on the cusp.
About the Poet
Ken Gierke started writing poetry in his forties, but found new focus when he retired. It also gave him new perspectives, which come out in his poetry, primarily in free verse and haiku. His work has appeared at Ekphrastic Review and Tuck Magazine. You can find his website here.
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Veey nice.
Thank you.
I’m so used to reading only haiku and related forms from Ken. This is lovely. I particularly like these final lines:
“I will breathe the mist hanging motionless.
The moment will end.
My life will continue,
each moment on the cusp.”
That sense of time stopping for a moment, and then life going on.
Thank you for this, Merril. Yes, I have had a long run of Japanese poetry lately, haven’t I?
I don’t think I’ve ever ignored “the moment,” but, with fewer years ahead than behind, I now appreciate each one just a little more.
You’re welcome. I think that is true of me, as well.
Thank you for sharing this with the world, Brian.
Ken, this is a beautiful poem and deserves its place. I like the whole but wanted to quote
two line ” But autumn leaves will crest those falls, kiss the waters waiting below.
I will breathe the mist hanging motionless.”
So dreamy and mystic.
Miriam
Thank you, Miriam. I like your “mystic” thought.
Lovely imagery that allowed me to see it all in my mind. Well done Ken.
Thanks, Walt.
You’re welcome.
Beautifully articulated – fallen leaves coming over the edge of a waterfall is a fitting metaphor for “autumn years” – yesterday’s lush foliage fallen soggy but still colorful and stirring to one’s imagination. However many days may remain, I hope all are filled with imagination – and poetry like this.
Thank you! I hope to stretch my autumn years as long as possible.
Such a vivid imagery of the falling leaves of autumn and the beauty it carries.
Thank you. 🙂
My pleasure
Ken, an enchanting poem. I felt your heart, tender wise soul. I always love reading your haiku, renga and now I am in awe.
Thank you, Hélène. You are most kind.
Thank you, Hélène. You are most kind.