Autumn all Year Long

Seasons come and go like visitors

never truly unpacking their bags --

Summer is dressed in the same shift until

she bids farewell, as a relative departing

            after a holiday meal.

 

Perhaps this is why I never feel the rhythm

of the world around me, as it sparks

like a hammer striking an anvil, raining

red stars that burn out before

            they reach the ground. 

 

Give me Autumn all year long,

draped in rust reds and burnt oranges,

scented by harvested pumpkin and a hint

of pine sap lingering on the periphery,

            like an ancient watermark.

 

            Oh, for my closet to be ever filled

            with pea coats and knitted scarves,

            for my cook-top to know the constant company

            of deep pans and candy thermometers!

 

The Maple beyond my window is changing,

the tips of her leaves are beginning to ripen,

and when she turns I will plead with her to remain,

for I cannot stomach her Winter nakedness,

nor the need for another empty transition

            into a different state of mind. 

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

Autumn is such a lovely time of year in Northern climes. Unfortunately, in South Florida, the palm fronds do not change color and the air does not really get all that crisp till November or December. Your poem brought me back to my youth in New Jersey when Autumn was always the best time of the year. The imagery was stunning, Sarah. Lydi**

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Lydi!

[Corset]

Incredibly rich with the sights, sounds and smells of autumn, I love this time of year just for the poetry alone! Not to mention my favorite color Organdy is everywhere this time of year, I love the spring and fall best, cool enough to wear sweaters and drink hot coffee on porches with a shawl or blanket over your legs like a real Grandmother! It's so wonderful, and you have done it a brilliant justice Sarah!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

You are very kind, my friend. Thank you for taking the time to read this one so closely!

[Rose of many colours]

This i s realy good I live In Trinidad , but you sort of make me taste the season you experience in this write.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So glad you could feel this one!

[Pryde Foltz]

I feel the same winsome for the changing of seasons, except for late-winter. It goes on forever. This piece captured beautifully the reason why I too live autumn.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, Pryde :)

[kublakhan27]

I have noticed a flood of seasonal poetry here as of late, probably a dozen poems or so over the weekend, which is understandable given the fact that we're in that transition right now, but it's funny that my most recent foray into the topic is the only one that doesn't look at winter in some negative way haha Of course, nobody captures a scene like you do, and the journey you take us on here is breathtaking...you've really encapsulated the entire cycle in one poem...that takes skill...great piece.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So glad you liked this one, my friend :)

[kublakhan27]

Always a pleasure Sarah :)

[Tom]

A delightful dressing up of the seasons, Summer indeed looked splendid but to quick to hurry away, Autumn in her appropriately fashionable coloured regalia made a big impact, but winter by contrast looks to be far to cold and bare to make any sort of impression!

A catwalk of charming appeal and with Spring's absence, Autumn is the clear winner by far !

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Tom...I'm glad you could feel this one!

[Jack...]

Indeed, it is this time of year that our minds turn to the wonder that is Autumn. You have brought this feeling forefront to my mind with your beautiful poem Sarah. Though, Autumn is not much of a season here in south Texas, the temps were indeed much cooler this morning when I walked outside. Your words have painted this morning beautifully for me.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you so much, Jack! I've missed you...good to see you, my friend!

[Sheeba]

"Seasons come and go like visitors
never truly unpacking their bags --". really true, even in our life.....Good one, keep on writing

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it!

[K. Louis]

I've always preferred fall fashion..and the colors of the fall foliage. I like that last stanza and the personification of the maple tree. 'nor the need for another empty transition into a different state of mind' -- love the emotion here..such loss...like two long distance lovers grieving the day they have to part again before it's even there. and earlier 'perhaps this is why i never feel the rhythm of the world around me' It's hard to live so prepared..that's always a battle for the analytic mind. Can't wait for pumpkin pie!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

THank you, K. I love anything and everything pumpkin...the taste, the scent, the color...everything!