few autumn leaves float drift or fall here
our temperate climate sure does endear
narrow eucy leaves hardy without fear
but turning over a new leaf
or challenging our belief
can be tougher than old beef
plants and leaves readily adapt
to their environment that’s a fact
smart to follow their lead intact
ingrained habits can cause real pain
this uneven keel may feel a bit insane
but like each leaf we grow with rain
just as leaves vary in size colour and shape
if tossed about too much it feels like rape
fragile we become transparent like crepe
so rake those leaves all together
once fallen and drifted like a feather
burn them off to escape the tether
enclosed tercet, leaves, OctPoWriMo … thanks Punam for the inspiration!
aroused 
The twist and word play makes this poem mindblowing, Kate. A superb read:)
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Kate, your message radiates for me. Autumn has always been a special season for me. Perhaps these weeks prepared me to transition into another cold, Montana winter. As for leaves, sometimes nature allows my rake to take a break. Thank you overnight wind.
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Thanks Kate. While I will be facing cold before one knows it, you will be experiencing another summer . . . hopefully without too much heat.
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I love how you wove your innate wisdom with autumn imagery. Very inspiring, sis. 🙂
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An inspiring autumn poem, Kate. It is important to reflect, adapt, and adjust our course periodically. The wise words in your poem cover a lot of bases. 🙂
The change of seasons is also subtle here, with few deciduous trees. Color change comes in December with red Virginia creeper, poison ivy, and assorted vines. Red maples grow in some Florida locations.
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Nature can teach us so much and I do love your poetry. Beautifully done 💚
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Your getting BIG smiles over here. Kate. The poem as a whole is awesome, and the last line is epic. Love it.
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i love this form kate, and your last stanza is very relatable
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you are nailing these forms, dear Kate. and how i love the second stanza!!!
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Perfect pairing of poem and photo, SweetKate!
Love this poem! We do learn so much from nature…if we’re willing to stop, look, and listen. Your message is powerful and important…and even tho’ we all “fall” at different times/ways, we all land in the pile together and can help each other if we’re willing to help/listen. 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤ 🙂
🍂 🍁 🍃 🍂 🍁 🌾 🍂 🍁
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Lovely poem Kate! I enjoyed it very much! ❤
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So much to learn from nature, Kate and your poem said it all. Lovely and a great advice to be taken and learnt.
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Exquisite writing Kate, and a wise message.
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Your poem questions me, Kate .
Michel ❤
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“but like each leaf we grow with rain” my favourite line.
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Your analogy of leaves and life works effectively Kate .. 💛🌏💙
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I like your examination of ‘turning a new leaf’ to question our attitudes and values…
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thanks Ingrid, it’s a regular chant of mine having seen too many struggle with it on their deathbed …
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Kate, this is a good reminder that we are all fragile, temporary, and in the process of growing or dying. You make a wonderful point that we are in it together and though different we are all the same at the heart – and looking to ascend!
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We have a lot to learn from the leaves and nature. Great poetry.
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You cover a lot of ground here Kate. Sometimes we must indeed shed the past to move forward. (K)
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Now that is amazing Kate, you’ve really done the comparison well. Love it 🙂
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