Carol Mathew-Rogers is an artist, writer and life-long animal lover. She is the Executive Director of the educational nonprofit The Creative Edge: The Way of the Arts where she facilitates personal growth and exploration through creativity in individuals and groups. She creates an atmosphere where curiosity and mindfulness are encouraged and actively promotes artistic play.
The leaves
lush and green
still cling fast to
their woody homes
not yet ready
to release their juicy hold
and launch into the unknown.
But change is in the
gradually cooling air
and soon
one by one
in a dance too slow to see
they will turn up
their fluttery skirts
flash new petticoats
of gold and burnt umber
until they drop
exhausted from their efforts
sailing softly
back and forth
as if waving goodbye.
I too cling to the memory
of succulent summers past
when strength and stamina
flowed like golden honey
through young veins
but now the cold bite
of autumn’s breath
slows me down
aches and pains
my unwanted partners
ready to lead me
slower and slower
till I too
must say goodbye
and launch
ready or not
into my own
vast unknown.
