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As Fall The Leaves

As fall the leaves, so drop the days
  In silence from the tree of life;
Born for a little while to blaze
  In action in the heat of strife,
And then to shrivel with Time's blast
And fade forever in the past.

In beauty once the leaf was seen;
  To all it offered gentle shade;
Men knew the splendor of its green
  That cheered them so, would quickly fade:
And quickly, too, must pass away
All that is splendid of to-day.

To try to keep the leaves were vain:
  Men understand that they must fall;
Why should they bitterly complain
  When sorrows come to one and all?
Why should they mourn the passing day
That must depart along the way?

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Comments

  • rhondasail
    September 19, 2008
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    This is one of those wonderful poems that strike exactly the right note. Nature is a splendid teacher if we but take the time to look, and Mr. Guest has taken the time not only to look, but to understand and helped us also to see the way life is filled with poetry. With starts and stops and vibrant imagery in between. Well done. Peace, Rhonda


  • poetryality Moderators member
    December 3, 2004
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    Oh this is wonderful. I love the Autumn and the metaphors he used in relation to life are astounding. The last two lines clinched the whole poem for me. What a Master of the written word is Mr. Guest. I am glad OP features a poet of the week. This poet has convienced me to come more often. Very nicely written as a pro would write.