Poem: If I Take My Leave
In this week’s Poet’s Corner, Dean Fraser contributes another poem exploring our connection to the natural world – from the mountains to the sea.
If I Take My Leave
If I take my leave of the green green wood
Home to Herne the Hunter and Robin Hood
Sunlight finding its way through the branches… magical
A living breathing ecosystem starting with the botanical
The symphony of nature provided by operatic birdsong
Natural balance perfecting, every creature does belong
If I take my leave of the green green wood
Would it cease to exist? I wonder if it could?
If I take my leave of the mountain top
Rising into the sky like it will never stop
The sunset transcending anything seen before
Reflected in the mirrored lake on the valley floor
Strongest winds attempting to dislodge me to a fall
High upon the mountain, sitting taking in it all
If I take my leave of the mountain top
Would it cease to exist? I wonder could it stop?
If I take my leave of the blue seashore
Small waves sometimes tranquil, other times a roar
The sun creating magically sparkling light all around
Unmistakable fragrance and the unmistakable sound
In a bay far from people, for once truly alone
The seabirds diving in and out of the white foam
If I take my leave of the blue seashore
Would it cease to exist? Can we be truly sure?
Did I create these natural places in my own minds eye?
Every tree, plant, animal, the sea, sun and even the sky?
If humans are unable to appreciate freely given beauty
Simply stand and gaze in awe at all of nature’s bounty
If we cannot look around, cherish all Earth has to give
Would WE cease to exist? Would we really wish to live?
Dean Fraser is a bestselling UK poet and widely syndicated community broadcaster. Dubbed The Quantum Poet, he spent a number of years touring extensively, learning both his crafts in front of live audiences, coming to understand just what makes an effective poem or presented work. Much more about Dean, his publications and broadcasting, can be found at Dean Fraser Central. Read his contribution in last week’s Poet’s Corner here.
