Thoughts on a Leaf Storm

Before Election Day 2020, I looked out a November sky and witnessed an amazing sight. A whooshing noise, swaying movement of branches, and leaves letting go in a downward descent were evidence of a dramatic leaf storm. News of this filled the broadcast channels. I watched and pondered as the leaves appeared to shiver in the breeze. Luckily, I had my iPhone available to record a few seconds of the event.

November Leaf Storm

tumultuous storm brewing

leaves shiver in the breeze

thoughts quiver

of election blues

©CV, 2020

After the storm, I wrote the above "naani" poem. My thoughts were centered on both the leaf storm and Election Day 2020. Obviously, the brewing storm settled, the sky opened with sunshine, and hope was felt.

A naani is one of India's popular Telugu poems introduced by Dr. N. Gopi, one of the renowned Telugu poets. Naani translates as "expression of one and all". It is composed of one stanza of four lines between twenty to twenty-five syllables. Each line is generally three-five syllables but no more than ten. The subject matter is up to the writer, but Teluga poets typically write about the human condition, race, relations, current statements, and life in general.  

13th Century Persian poet Rumi stated, "Respond to every call that excites your spirit." This thought is my call to action. Observing nature allows me to be filled with wonder, honor its movements, and find hope in both storms and sunshine, darkness and light. Sometimes the light is dim. At these times, it is necessary to respond with positivity. It may not always be the emotion felt at the moment but it is a pathway that leads us onward. I need to remember this in trying times.

November trees shake and dance.

Will Autumn stay

or

Winter advance?

"Seasons change as does daily life. "Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength what will endure as long as life lasts." 

-Rachel Carson

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The month of November is a gratitude month. I am grateful for a pathway to hope in autumn's gold-dusted colors. What are you grateful for?

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I am joining Two Writing Teachers for Tuesday's Slice of Life.

#SOL20

November is For Thanks

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”- G.K.Chesterton  

There is a certain type of wonder during the month of November. It opens as the last hurrah of autumn. Daylight savings time slows down life's pace and as we move toward Thanksgiving, gratitude moments become more important. Autumn is an example of nature's gift as October grandeur sweeps its piles of leaves into November. I sigh with delight and give thanks as leaves cushion earth.

From one the west to east coast, autumn presents its colors in a wonder-filled array of happiness. When the weather turned a beautiful shade of sunshine sky, I decided to take an awe walk to clear my head of the noises of life and commune with nature. So off the family went to visit a nearby park that we had not walked through this autumn.

As we entered the park, I was immediately struck by the peacefulness of the November day. The duck community honked greetings, inviting us in. Light from the sun radiated across the pond illuminating the colors of the mallards. 

Looking into the park, trees tinged in autumn gold beckoned. 

The weight of the world lifted as

infrequent joggers and a sole skateboarder smiled in passing.

autumn touches earth

with its illuminating light

peacefulness settles

in mirrored reflection 

 November showcases fall

©CV, 2020

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At the end of the awe-walk, reeds were sassaying in the breeze. The scene reminded me of the constant election news shows with heated conversations. This image poem displays my first Naani.

Naani is one of India's most popular Telugo poems. Naani means an expression of one and all and consist of 4 lines, the total lines consists of 20 to 25 syllables.  The poem is not bouded to a particular subject, although generally it depeds on human relations and current statements.

"Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life." -Rumi

Indulging in an awe walk as a diversion from the weighty to dos of life was just the right medicine to fill my head with gratitude thoughts and make me smile.

I'm joining the Poetry Friday Roundup where Susan Bruck is hosting at Soul Blossom Living. Susan delights us with her silly poem series and accompanying illustrations that my little granddaughter would absolutely love.