Autumn on the foothills of Cader Idris

written after an Autumn visit to Dôl Idris; a most beautiful place.

I do not always look at trees once summer is gone.

Instead, I pay regard to the rising of the wind,

the bare stems of flowers, a leaf falling on grass;

and the city is far away from this lovely place,

hidden behind the brooding hills

that seem older than time itself.

Further out, the horizon slips to infinity,

making shadows from a world beyond mine,

whilst a lone raven, late and hurrying low,

races the embered sun;

the rhythmic beat of his wings

only stirring the air, making no sound,

save that of survival of the fittest.

I watch him land, dark as charred paper

as he settles on a familiar tree.

A raucous cacophony follows,

then silence, as if summer and 

something else besides is gone;

and on the ground, leaves gather, 

deep in rustled conversation.

I find a rock, still warm from the day

and sit for a while, imagining the last

white clouds as ghost ships, sailing 

through miles of cool blue light;

then turn my attention to the half 

denuded trees.  A chorus line

sillhouetted against the indigo sky; 

shifting and shaping as they bend

to the rising of the wind.

Suddenly then, rain spots down,  

a typical September whimsy, 

disposed to catch the unwary. 

But I have visited here many times 

and have already turned; the city

beckoning with its million neon lights,

though none so bright as the moon haloed night

Reviews

[kentuck14]

Beccy,
A truly beautiful poem. Great images and flow. Indeed you do make this sound like a beautiful place. Congratulations.
Tom

[SkinlessFrank]

This is beautiful. To know the elegant quietude of nature with satisfaction and grace is a way to grasp contentment and maybe even happiness.

[CD Campbell]

I must admit that I am in love with your writing style. It is not unlike an exotic women that is beautiful, but impossible to touch. The way your words flow together on this one is beyond me. Your words take me there, in the moment. This is one of your best.

[lakinbob]

Truly outstanding poetry. You took me to that place, allowed me to observe the rook landing, 'dark as charred paper,' inspirational! I could feel the warmth of the rock, see those white clouds, the chorus line of trees shifting and shaping to the rising of the wind.

So many incredible lines in this, but I think I'd better stop waffling on now, in case I come across as a fawning idiot. :)}

LB

[ohiojohn]

Nice serene relaxing setting.

[Jimmy Yetts]

A lovely creation.
Gorgeous and haunting images.
Outstanding, Beccy!

[Chris Shaw]

I haven't visited the foothills of Cader Idris Beccy, but your poetry makes me want to see it for myself. You paint with words and you have created a masterpiece here for me. I love the tone, language, imagery and everything about your observations. You bring this place alive at a time of year which I am not usually fond of. Thank you. You have a great talent.

Chris

[KCthelastboyscout]

I'm in the brisk heat of summertime here in America. wherever autumn is, in whatever country is where I want to be. This is a beautiful story told with impeccable writing and lavish imagery. Reading this is like a cool breeze on a hot afternoon

[barleygirl]

Even tho we’re in mid-summer here, I find myself already in an autumn state of mind becuz our summer has been unseasonably cool this year (which is rare). Your poem just puts me over the edge! Now I’m REALLY longing for autumn! I love all the imagery you pack into your poem, even tho many things are different from the way autumn visits around here. I love finding new ways to observe nature, since I write many poems about my wilderness surroundings. I’m inspired by your graceful imagery & word crafting (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[alanwgraham]

I've - been on cader idris Beccy and if You can suspend the restless mind and be in the moment it is a wondrous thing. You have described it brilliantly with lots of luscious images. I think you may have an extra .ca in cacacophany!
Really enjoyed!
All the best.
Alan