Leaf Memories

By Carol Farnsworth

Introduction

I have always loved walking in the woods. I usually explore with my husband or daughter to act as a sighted guide. They find flora for me to touch.

When I had some vision, they would point out fauna—a deer, or a bird taking flight. At those times, I was lucky to see the white of a retreating deer or hear the sound of wings in flight.

When I became totally blind, I developed my senses of touch, hearing, smell and taste to see the world.

I incorporated visual memories to complete the picture.

After two hip replacements, I could no longer walk the woods I loved. My husband and I became a tandem cycling team. This allowed me to experience nature in a different way.

I wrote this chapbook of poems after I lost my sight. I found there are many ways to enjoy nature, such as using your hands to explore, along with your other senses.

“Reflections”

Rain distorts the reflection in the pane.
I contemplate my twisted hold on reality.
Memory of the visual world changes with age,
reforming like a deck of shuffled cards.
The rain forms tears from heaven.
They water our souls and spirits.
I take a card to see what memory is on top.
Building a story around the thought.
That story is my new reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol Farnsworth
• Release date: Jul 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005295486

Book preview

Leaf Memories

Carol Farnsworth

Editing, print layout, e–book conversion,

and cover design by DLD Books

Editing and Self–Publishing Services

www.dldbooks.com

Copyright 2021 by Carol Farnsworth

All rights reserved

Dedication

To my family, especially my husband, John, who was the photographer for the book and the first reader of my poems. Much love and thanks.

Acknowledgements

My thanks to the members of Behind Our Eyes writers’ group, especially to Alice Massa and Lynda Lambert, for encouraging me to write poetry.

Introduction

I have always loved walking in the woods. I usually explore with my husband or daughter to act as a sighted guide. They find flora for me to touch.

When I had some vision, they would point out fauna—a