We are also dying
Wrinkling, thinning, cracking
Parts of us fall off too
Veins break like yours.
But we do not turn into colors
Brilliant reds, orange, purple, yellow
Like you do.
We are not collected and displayed
People do not drive hours
To see us and gasp in awe
Of our beauty.
Children and artists do not press us
Into wax paper or parchment.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could also turn
Into things of beauty as we age and
Fall into the ground like you.
Our vibrant neon hues
Proudly placed in homes and
Designer vases in office lobbies,
Museums, expensive restaurants!
Even hospitals would put us in the
Best rooms with the largest windows
For all to see the magnificent colors
We become.
And watch
Our bursting rays of pinks, violets
And gold - When we leave
Oh leaves.
John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
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Thank you for this. I will do my best to age and die like a beautiful autumn leaf :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a grand idea. Just wait many more years.
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