Falling From Far Up

Autumn
translation by Robert Bly

The leaves are falling, falling as if from far up,
as if orchards were dying high in space.
Each leaf falls as if it were motioning "no."

And tonight the heavy earth is falling
away from all other stars in the loneliness.

We're all falling. . . .

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875 - 1926)

On our walk today, Ellie and I encountered a sea of yellow - green leaves surrounding the majestic ginkgo that we always admire along our route. Sure we've seen it happen -- all the ginkgo leaves falling in one night, or one day, or one hour, in one consent. But aren't they usually bright gold when that happens? Not still half green, as these are:

Then we went a little further down the block and saw a curb covered with wholly green leaves. Summer one day, winter the next. Falling leaves, but no fall, and only the tiniest tinge of yellow - gold. This particular ginkgo is young and small, so you can count what's left. Not many!

Previously ~ The Gingko Light