Did you know … ?
There are leaves that never fall in autumn as others do
they hang on hopelessly and selfishly all through winter.
In the spring they try to live again
being dead … don’t they know?
They do not know.
Did you know?
From the root of confusion, they began their bud
this last go ‘round in this cycle of life.
And instead their intention of becoming a limb
a leaf became their appointment … don’t they know?
They do not know.
Did you know?
In self-assertion and contentiousness these leaves have suffered
the violence of stormy days for no reason but their own.
Because of ignorance shall they perish – Because of ignorance
they were beguiled … don’t they know?
They do not know.
Did you know?
Their refusal to rot beneath those real and exalted limbs
is still their destiny and time will not be denied its due.
Perhaps next time will they be crowned an acorn
in a different place to become a tree … don’t they know?
They do not know.
Did you know?
Those leaves that spread themselves in vain and chance
have all disappeared in the same vanity in which they came.
Mysteriously fallen in the night and wind swept from sight
They are lost in seasons change … don’t they know?
They do not know … did you know?
View the PDF below as it was originally presented
Poem #46 | April 3, 2008
They do not know … did you know? PDF
