Just a Leaf

I have something... no matter how insignificant it is, that sets me apart-my  identity. A unique shade of green and a pattern that stands out.

The overall glow., the structure, the appearance... all speak of a healthy status thanks to daily pampering by streaks of sunlight.

There are times... when a crown is bestowed upon me for being green. I feel elated.

Look closely and you'll find a dash of green and vibrant streaks of the sun, running through my veins.

In the fading light of dusk, when a grey blanket takes over the blue expanse overhead, the many hues of green collaborate for a show.

Lines of maturity, speak of... braving, many many storms.  Alongside the more mature, the  inexperienced, make strides.

Lifting up our arms to convey our happiness at being a unique speck in the  global 'green' family.

Looking bright and cheery, carries me through the day, despite many irritants... the noise and pests, the dust and dirt, the rubbish and clutter around me.

Just a... 'once upon a time' green leaf, absorbing the hues of the ebullient sun, and  life sustaining soil, conveying its heartfelt thanks for the nurturing. 

Inch by inch, step by step, flecks of ageing tiptoe in, spreading their blanket, ever so gracefully, leaving behind, a certain stamp of elegance.

With a... touch of delicate green, dabs of  crimson blush, a  'handle with care' feel, a lingering, lustrous softness, streaks of sunlight painting a glossy patch, a young n' tender leaf, grows up to face a 'sometimes hostile' world.

The wavy contours, the sudden twists and turns, marking the face of a dried up leaf, which has travelled far to rest upon the sand, brings to mind, the fluctuating fortunes in the journey of life.

Aromatic green spears fashioned by Nature, look ready to fight the battle in the kitchen aiming to stir up appetizing soups, stews and salads, with that unique minty flavour.

Clinging onto dear life after a windy challenge. Facing those challenges, those safe ones, can be tough but... can be jotted down as a learning experience, in the journey of growth.

Shh! They are trying to shut the sun out but... I've a plan of my own. Bringing in bits and pieces of sunny memories, into air-conditioned confines.

The wavy border... a judicious mix of shades of red,  brown n' yellow, adds a  perfect touch to the flashy green. The groove going up the middle is the handiwork of a 'special effects' enthusiast. Nature sometimes offers ... lessons in art in your own backyard.

Being happy and contented brings peace within... which is what life is all about. Many many green fragments from those happy times, clog my memory cells and keep me afloat, during sudden setbacks.

At times, we do appear different but despite the visible differences, we are both leaves.

Taking a short stroll does have its benefits. That dot of cheer that stops you on your path, spreading its rays wide, seems to be saying... even the dark moments will pass. Nature creates its own style: Embellishing  its already lustrous leaves.

I hear that you've been learning about my basic structure and I've decided to help you learn better with some 'hands-on' learning material. Ah! You've finally got it. There's much more to a leaf than those dabs of green. 

Oh no! Ooh no! Help!! I spy something... Could it be a reptile lifting its hood, waiting for an opportune moment?   Oh dear! I've been fooled! Just a growing leaf, twisting and turning, curiously shaped, surveying the surroundings. Nature steps in, now and then, to add a touch of humour to our stressful lives.

The face is blurred but to the discerning eye it seems to be expressing... a sense of dissatisfaction with the lessening/destruction of green life in the neighbourhood and the shrinking lung spaces in an ever expanding city.

Sometimes there are two differing views to a story and we need to consider both.

A bit of green peeking out from the pages of a book seems to be saying... waiting for those caring hands to pick me up so that me and my friends can swing merrily, high up, as  fresh n' welcoming festoons, over doorways, over heads passing through, that are sometimes  wise,  at times funny,  sometimes young,  at times old.

A couple of green hearts in the vicinity reach out to you to say... bring in more of green.

Look closely. We three appear different but are of the same family.

There's definitely a secret process and a bit of 'carefully thought out' magic at work here. I am unable to iron out the creases no matter how hard I try. 

Little hands have been trying hard to blend in the various shades of green. A peek outside. Nature conducts a masterclass... with a gooseberry leaf palette.

Sometimes... brown creeps in ever so slowly and before you know it overwhelms the green.

A tiny flower is taking some rest on a fragile green seat and the wind is trying its best to shake it off. 'Learn from me,' says the 'I-won't-budge-from-here' grasshopper who stands firm. Ongoing lesson: Learning the... Hows of Balance.

A mischief maker is on the prowl. Could it be ... the gusty wind showing off, the gardener  with his shears or the insect troop fine tuning their art? 

Shh! Someone is at work. Watching over the ongoing 'greening' activities. Nature springs a surprise: A 'guardian angel' for its its genteel and defenceless plants.

A green rapier, thrusting its blade, standing proud, swaying this way and that to a swirling wind, cosseted by heaps of brown mulch and saying...don't worry, I cause no harm.

Sometimes... I am forced to present a  different face, through no fault of my own. There are those who think this is rather cool! 

The heat today is simply unbearable and because of this, there are many, who simply refuse to believe it had rained last night. Here I am, presenting some real evidence and this is not from a hosepipe.  

Nature just donned a new cloak... that of an entrepreneur. An accordion on display and a green one too!

Side by side they grow and evolve... each leaning on the other.

Your own bowl of freshness... a readymade green bouquet, looks all set to grace your table. Nature presents... An eyecatching  green posy to lighten up your cluttered living spaces.

Flawlessly attired in deep pink, tender leaves of  the rose plant display enormous pride in competing with those gorgeous blossoming roses that lie closeby. Nature's 'Delicate Pink Creations' extend an invite for their opening day.

The warm pinkish red hues of the setting sun make you wish you could touch/feel it. Suddenly, your wish comes true, when you find a spectacular and vibrant piece leaving a mark on the sand nearby and inviting you to step closer. Nature's  own 'Sunset Motif.'

Shh! Do not disturb. This arrangement is made by someone whose creations are almost always perfect. Presenting 'Green Symphony' - From Nature's Lab.