One Leaf Amongst Many by Nicole Demos is a poignant reflection on identity, memory, and empowerment, inspired by a quiet moment with a solitary leaf. Nicole, a trailblazer in inclusive education and a passionate disability rights advocate, draws from over 30 years of global experience and personal journey to craft a poem that speaks to the beauty of stillness and the strength found in vulnerability. With vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poem becomes a metaphor for self-awareness and reclaiming voice – echoing Nicole’s lifelong mission to foster inclusion, challenge perceptions, and inspire change.
One Leaf Amongst Many
A solitary leaf floated seamlessly in front of my weary eyes,
I did not pay any attention to it, did not even flinch,
Softly landing on my lap, causing me to pause my movement
Abruptly, I stop moving forward and turn off the motor,
I lift my eyes upward to the greyish sky that envelops me like a cloak, and take a breath,
As I do, my wavering gaze focuses on that solitary leaf positioned on my lap, forcing me to make a decision,
Do I dare to look at the leaf and wonder, or do I simply brush it aside so that it can be crumpled underfoot?
With conviction, I lift up the leaf by its stem and am transfixed by its beauty and vulnerability.
As I twirl the leaf in a circular motion, I am flooded with unexpected deep emotions.
I remember the countless times I gathered leaves as a child and used them to play, or to create art.
I will never forget hearing the crunch of stepping on autumn leaves in the yards and on sidewalks.
The first time, as an adult, that I jumped into a pile and experienced the thrill of rolling around in peals of laughter.
I remember the lemon tree leaves of my childhood in Greece, as the silky leaves protected the buds which soon would bear yellow voluptuous lemons.
I fondly reminisce about the time when my friends and I would pretend to ‘cook and make tea’ using olive and orange tree leaves that we found.
With that, I observed this leaf, a beautiful velvety, rich green colour like a soft blanket.
The thin veins form an intricate web telling a story of resilience, grace and power.
The sweet, fresh scent emanating from the leaves brings peace, joy and a hint of the unexpected.
Placing the leaf close to my ear, the faint hum along with my beating heart, brings me courage.
This solitary leaf that floated seamlessly in front of my weary eyes is now at the centre of my being.
Bursting me open to new life, opportunities and hope flickering within me like a lit candle.
This solitary leaf inspires me to challenge, question and be more present.
This solitary leaf reminds me that I have the power, the spirit and the drive to speak out with intent, to advocate for others and myself in my own voice that had been silent for some time.
This solitary leaf will cause others to take notice of my words, my actions and above all my heart.
I will no longer pause my movement from my wheelchair for anyone who is not fully willing to see, hear and include me.
That one leaf…
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