Shorter Days

Inspired by Coyote John's reminder that it is now September!

Autumn now threatens to touch the leaves

as the warmth of summer slips away

and cold dawns greet our morning prayers.

 

All too soon winter will touch the grass

with ice cold breath

and coat our car windows in opaque frost.

 

We will hurry more,

scurry about our business and outside chores

in gloved hands and shoulders

weighed down with overcoats.

 

We will smile less

and dally in the sun's rays only for the briefest moments,

drawing out every second of solar warmth

from our dwarf neighbour.

 

But we will dream more,

talk of the new year

and the months ahead

as we urge spring from the ground.

 

As we await new shoots,

the re-clothing of our countryside

in greens and reds and bronze.

The return of wintered flocks

and nest building to begin.

 

01/09/20

Reviews

[barleygirl]

The best part of your tribute to the changing seasons -- originality! You paint your scene with details that are so different than what I've experienced. I can see how Coyote John, up there in Michigan, might be seeing things from your frame of latitude (UK), but down here in the desert called California, we still have a couple more months of hot growing season & I'm sprouting new lettuce plants as we speak! To be honest, we never reach for gloves or jackets! But the chilly nights (15*C) have started bringing down the acorns from the oaks, which ping on my rooftop! Love your poem chock full of autumn delights! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah now you make me envious Margie! I hate the cold with a vengeance. My circulation shuts down and I simply pray for 10-15%. Many thanks for your kind review.

[Sami Khalil]

You are talented and astute. It is amazing how you portray the change of seasons especially how they change our moods and behaviours. Very spot on and worthy of looking forward to the changes.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you for your kindness Sami and indeed I await spring already!

[Sami Khalil]

Yes siiiirrrr. You are welcome.

[...]

Autumn is time to slow down and self reflection . Less light and warm can put our mood down. At least colours of leaves can make beautiful impressions at our eyes. Your poem is very truthful and even it's fill with sadness it's very beautiful.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Yes some get Seasonal Affective Disorder and many more simply the winter blues. Many thanks for reading Martin.

[Dave Brown]

Winter is not much to look forward to but I'll still enjoy the colors of fall
If I get out of bed!

[Ladysue]

You capture that melancholy feeling of autumn. It is a beautiful vibrant season with its changing colors yet the change bring a bone chill that is hard to shake. Autumn gives way to winters frost. You painted the scene well. Winter is my least favorite season.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Mine too I hate winter. Many thanks Lady Sue.

[.]

We certainly will dream more. The seasons have almost passed by unnoticed for me in this strangest of years.Hopefully our very own nest building and returning to normal life will come in the new year. Its a write full of hope, John. :))

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed so I always hope for spring and summer to make a take over bid! Many thanks Jamila.

[Chris Shaw]

You have captured the September feeling for me. Very much one of the best has past and we are about to enter a period of shorter, days with less warmth. Although autumn is spectacular with her colour, I have always thought it the season of decay. I much prefer spring, the season of rebirth. Enjoyed the poetic expression here John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Chris, I so dislike winter even though there is beauty in it. I spend the whole of the dark months waiting for spring and summer.