the elaborate ritual

not easy throwing a pity party you know

scraping together memories

to create a patchy paint by number scene

of long ago dreams

but now the winds have turned nasty

and the sky is cloudy

              with a 50% chance of melancholy

sensing distant thunder rumbling

                   the stoic scarecrow has abandoned

                                 the once golden field

in the heat of a mid october day

the elaborate ritual of a pity party

begins to calligraphy itself in the margins

of my more than middle aged life

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... the margins of our more than middle aged life are trimmed with leftover summer flowers gracing the embers of autumn leaves... It is a pity that winter comes with snow and getting old... but I am thankful for the promise of spring with visions untold. Amen truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

WOW, Pat, you went back four years to find this one. Thank you. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... I did not search for your older posted poem... It simply appeared on the right side of WC's page as recommended for reading along with a few other WC older poems to read. As ever, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Well, whatever the case, I was pleased you read and reviewed it! :)

[Rita L. Sev]

You have invited us to your party, but I cannot pity the author of such a wonderfully written piece. Pulling out the memories does indeed come with that risk of melancholy... though on my clear-headed days, I know that is a blessing - Life has been good. A great and thoughtful poem, Lydi!

[Lydia Shutter]

You're right....memories are precious even in all them melancholia! Thanks, Rita. I appreciate the review. Lydi**

[David Scott]

Ha!
I'm guilty of the same... I usually disguise it in the form of philosophy.
A very fine admission and one we shall all happily allow you I'm sure if we are allowed the same.

[Lydia Shutter]

Well, of course you are allowed...why not? thanks for the review, David. Lydi**

[ShelleyA]

Hi Lydi. Wow! An excellent write. Skillfully crafted free verse which I enjoy. Deep expression of emotion. You express your feelings with power in this piece. I love the metaphor. I can relate to your thoughts. I know this feeling. Powerful closing lines. Well penned and a good read. Write on!

[Lydia Shutter]

Shelley, so nice to see you on my page! Thank you very much for your review. Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Lydi**

[ShelleyA]

Hi Lydi. You're very welcome. It's good to be back. I needed to take a little break, but am back now. Have a great weekend!

[Lydia Shutter]

Will check for your words soon.

[Angi]

Oh my. I have walked these words this week, Lydi. Angi~

[Lydia Shutter]

Unfortunately, most of us have days...or weeks....like this from time to time. Thank you for stopping by, Angi. Lydi**

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Very expressive work that you have penned..It has the presence of emotion and creativity..I enjoyed reading it this cloudy day..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Sara. I hope the sun shines soon. lydi**

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Lydia,

You are quite welcome..We had sun yesterday but it was cold enough for heat here for the first time this year..

Sara

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, it won't be cold enough for heat here till January or February...and then maybe not even then. Stay warm! Lydi**

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Lydia,

You must live in Florida or even more southern than that..

Sara

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed....South Florida.

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Okay,

Sara

[Ruth]

Goodness! You have such talent of conveying emotion...not only that but the depths of imagery in your writing are enchantingly delicate and threaded with precision, wonderful! x

[Lydia Shutter]

I'm so pleased you liked it. Thank you. lydi**

[Pryde Foltz]

Is there room for two? I'll take my ashes on the rocks with a splash of gin. Clever write, Lydi**.

[Lydia Shutter]

Always room for a friend at a pity party...commiserating is what it's all about! :) Thank you, Pryde. Lydi**

[Sanober]

"and the sky is cloudy
with a 50% chance of melancholy"
Dang those pity parties...they always seem to sneak up on us when we least expect it..don't they. Sometimes i guess we all get caught up in the monotony of life. Such eloquent words, Lydi. Everything you write speaks to me on so many levels. Wonderful poem.

[Lydia Shutter]

I am truly honored by your reviews, Sanober. Thank you very much. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

We all need a good pity party now and then Lydi - If nothing else, it makes a great poem!

My suggestion, ignore the distant thunder, tell that scarecrow to get his skinny butt back (a golden field isn't the same without him) and kick back in the airconditioning with a nice glass of wine (or two).
Cheers!
Hugs, Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Sounds like a plan to me! :) Thanks so much, Julie. Lydi**

[Joyce S. Greene]

Well, at least it's only a 50% chance of melancholy, Lydi. That means there's a 50% chance the sunny side will peek out at you and you can smilingly write another poem. Keep smiling and keep writing more of your marvelous poetry!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much for stopping by, Joyce. I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**