I came upon a man
raking leaves in the woods
and his irony filled my soul.
There, in a forest full of trees,
on the cusp of autumn’s primetime show —
he
was
raking
leaves.
I spoke to him and said,
“You are going to be here for a while,”
but he only nodded
and continued earnestly.
When I stopped to take his picture,
to remind myself —
this lesson in futility —
he gave his explanation.
But try as he might,
he could not convince me
his intent was not in vain.
Surely more leaves would fall
before he could expose the trail for others.
And what if they chose to walk another way?
Would it not be best to clear your own path,
I wondered, as I continued on
up the hill and around the pond.
• • •
Words & Image ©2013, Jen Payne
Sometimes you just need to do what you need to do. This was his meditation – maybe.
I enjoyed this, Jen. As always…
To each his own? : )
Exactamundo!
:-)
Love this one… some publisher ought to, too!
Thanks, Mary…we’re working on getting those publishers to see the light, aren’t we? ; )
Wonderful poem. Did you take the photo?
I did take the photo – perhaps I should note “based on a true story”? : )
Yes! It’s such a surreal and somehow also beautiful photograph and metaphor.
It really didn’t strike me as metaphor until I sat with it for a while…but I am so glad, now, I thought to take a photo!
Jen, I like this so much….especially ” on the cusp of autumn’s primetime show —” Much rich reflection for me. Thank you.
So nice to hear – thank you!
Well, I can think of a better way to get some exercise. He’s outside and enjoying the spoils of nature. :-)
Agreed – there are many better ways to get exercise!
I’m kind of captivated by it all – by the photo and your poem and what it leaves me thinking (no pun intended I’m sorry!) – kind of wondrous as well as nutty. All in all beautiful
It was one of those moment, you know – when you’re glad you stumbled upon it and glad you remembered to take a picture!
A mysterious moment, a mysterious photo —
we add our own meanings. Thank you.
My pleasure! xoxo