Nature’s Not So Well Kept Secret

Behind brief, flickering shadows,
the invisible bones of nature glow.

Autumn sun burnishes leaves,
like gun smoke their incense breathes.

For centuries men have used their minds
to construct walls of different kinds

to repel enemies and protect
their property, kin and the rich select.

But nature has a single secret,
one she’s never very well kept:

winter threatens humans and the year with death,
but each spring nature always takes a breath.

Kim M. Russell, 12th November 2024

‘Red leaves against a concrete wall’ by Andrew Ridley on Unsplash

It’s Tuesday and at the dVerse Poets Pub Poetics is hosted by Melissa, who is keeping things ‘simple’.

She asks us to choose one photo/couplet pairing from the ones she has provided and let it inspire us. She says to “observe every detail of the scene set forth in the picture. Read the lines and observe what feelings they evoke… Reflect. Then share”.

There are no form or thematic requirements. However and whatever we write is completely up to us, although Melissa asks us to say which photo/couplet we selected.

I chose ‘Red leaves against a concrete wall’ by Andrew Ridley

—when skies are hanged and oceans drowned,
the single secret will still be man

26 thoughts on “Nature’s Not So Well Kept Secret”

  8. The ending line, where spring “always takes a breath,” leaves the reader with a sense of quiet optimism and awe for nature’s enduring power. It’s a graceful reminder of nature’s resilience and the fleeting nature of human control. Brilliant!

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