Do you remember doing leaf rubbings? I remember taking my kids on long walks to collect the perfect leaves. They’d bring home piles, then transform them into works of art that adorned the refrigerator and bedroom walls. I made them with kids in school and in the Children’s Garden at Longwood. What a delight to see faces light up when the leaf outlines magically appeared!
The leaves are just beginning to turn here, but after some heavy rains this week, the trails are lined with early droppers. I picked up a few on my walks and transformed them into my own works of art. I had almost forgotten how relaxing leaf rubbing can be, and how much fun it is to feel like a kid again.
Leaf Rub
green to gold
leaf shudders, flutters
down
down
down
where small fingers
scoop and smooth and rub
like the palm of a hand
lines emerge, converge
under crayon strokes
green to gold to crimson
a masterpiece
Draft, 2022RoseCappelli
Matt has the round up today at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme where you can get a sneek peek at his newest book, A Beginner’s Guide to Being Human and lots more poetry fun.
Imagine the Possibilities 
I think it’s time to do leaf rubbings with my grandkids. Your poem describes the process perfectly, “down where small fingers scoop and smooth and rub.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Margaret.
LikeLike
Pingback: Poetry Friday Roundup: Gearing up for “Beginner’s Guide” with news, reviews, and a poem about FAMILY – Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme
I recall doing these when I was young – I also had my kids do these two years ago when we had to homeschool! Thanks for the memories, Rose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patricia!
LikeLike
You captured the memory of doing this so well in your poem! Happy Poetry Friday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, a few of us were just talking about all the things we did in the fall like leaf scrapbooks & those rubbings, “where small fingers
scoop and smooth and rub”. It’s a sweet captured memory, Rose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have such lovely sounds throughout this poem. I also like the echo of the beginning in your ending. I’d forgotten what joy leaf rubbing can bring. Thanks for the reminder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hooray for leaf rubbings…if that’s the ticket to feeling like a kid again, I’m off to find some leaves and crayons! What a wonderful poem. That “green to gold” is a perfect start.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how the pattern emerges “like the palm of a hand.” I’d never thought of that before! Time to pick up some leaves and get out the crayons!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
the second verse adds a beautiful turn, Rose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patricia.
LikeLike
You have taken us back to a time that was simple and beautiful. I hope it can be that way again. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t done this in years. How fun, I love when art and poetry inspire each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rose, I was just thinking about crayon rubbings, yesterday because I was picking up colored leaves on my hike, which I love to do. Great poem! I love the repetition of green to gold, all the sounds in your poem, the last stanza, and all your imagery. Thank you for your inspiration and bringing back fun memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A masterpiece, indeed. Lovely, Rose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rose, I always love choosing the best leaves to decorate my front porch and inside the house. I forgot how much fun it is to create art with leaves. Your poem sparks a new project for my little grandgirls. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person