The Last Leaf

The poem is about Autumn and renunciation.

————

The last leaf drifted away quietly

in the ever so gentle kiss of the breeze – 

time to let go. 

No, not my offering at all, 

the  leaf too, was ready to detach. 

It happened in the silent hush 

in a predestined moment in time. 

I lived myopic 

by the light of the lamp!

The distant hills witnessed all. Winter, 

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Now, this season of renunciation. 

Arms stretch heavenwards, 

free, unhampered, unobstructed

drinking in the blue skies,

letting the rain of pure, blissful light

seep into every pore of mine,

mixing joyfully with the blood 

that courses through my veins! 

A time of silent communion, 

a meditative vision of clarity! 

I stand bare,  naked.

Nakedness has its own intrinsic, 

innate beauty.

The beauty of being.

The beauty of acceptance 

The beauty of truth. 

I am not alone -

Not waiting for the abundance

 of Spring, 

the new leaves to come, 

the sprinkling of flowers to adorn

my bare branches,

nor the birds to nestle into me! 

I am rooted in the nurturing

embrace of endless grace, 

Ever joyful, ever grateful, 

Ever complete. 

Aloneness has its own perfect 

Melody of peace.

By Shalini Nandkrolyar

From: India