A blushing orange
autumn leaf quivers
in the cherry tree
like a toddler’s
bottom lip before
a single sparkling tear
trickles down a perfect cheek
and drops onto his mother’s hand,
and she doesn’t wipe it away,
making me smile on a windy day.
Kim M. Russell, 21st October 2019
My response to dVerse Poets Pub Quadrille Monday: We’re all a-quiver
De is our host this week, with the word ‘quiver’.
writing in north norfolk 
That single tear is so precious… maybe this is the best gift a mother can get. Autumn colors are wonderful but they are coming to an end here.
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Thanks Bjorn!
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Quivering leaf as toddler’s bottom lip? Just FANTASTIC.
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Cheers De! Inspired by a week with a toddler.
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Agreed – comparing the leaf and the child’s quivering lip is inspired.
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Thank you, Phillip!
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Kim, this is truly stunning.
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I like how the tear is not wiped away.
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There is such love, such sweetness in this piece, and nearly a perfect poetic balance–no sense of a 44 word parameter, just poetics at its best.
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Thank you so much Glenn.
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like a toddler’s bottom lip…..Oh I can see the visit with your grandson had a bit of an effect on this poem 🙂
LOVE this comparison. Perfect!
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Thank you, Lill. Lucas has had a huge effect on me! My lip was quivering and I shed a few tears when they went home last Friday.
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It is a tender, delicate image.
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Thanks Jane!
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Clever and charming double use of quiver – child’s lip like a leaf – ahh
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Thank you, Laura.
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I really like this beginning,
“A blushing orange
autumn leaf quivers
in the cherry tree
like a toddler’s
bottom lip.”
You are right on. Nobody’s lip quivers like a toddlers.
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Mine did on Friday, when my daughter and grandson went home after spending a lovely week together!
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like a bottom lip – perfection.
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perfect, Kim. Enjoy that toddler. They turn i to 7 yr olds before you know it. 😁
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Thanks Candy. I just hope I get to see him more often. The plan is to move closer, as soon as possible.
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That a single sparkling tear – is perfect for autumn season.
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Thank you, Grace.
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Your images stay with the reader …much like the autumn splendor
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Thank you!
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Children have perfected that quiver…how can we resist? (K)
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With great difficulty, Kerfe.
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I like how you compared a quivering leaf to a toddler’s lip before crying. Well done.
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Thank you!
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The quivering lip of a toddler — such an imagination! Absolutely adorable.
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Thank you, Colin!
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tender and so befitting the mood of the season. Just lovely!
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Thanks Margaret!
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So tender and sweet.
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Thank you, Ayala.
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I’m lost for words… Beautiful!
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Thank you kindly!
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Wonderfully evocative, with inspiring rhythm and rhyme!
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Thank you, Frank!
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