Beneath His Watch

Would the scarecrow climb down from his perch,
his job done and the fields fallow,
the promise of a harvest satisfied
as the roughened hands of the season

gently lay him down upon the plant stubble,
bewitched he watches the white thumbprint
clouds glide slowly over his loose supine body
from an angle most unique, and he sleeps,

until the loam is plowed and turned and the earth
tosses off her frosted frock and awakens the scarecrow
who will arise once more taking his strategic post
protecting the fragility of the life beneath his watch.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

very interesting take on the scarecrow .. they have been used so much lately as an image of peril and great harm .. you have lifted them to new heights ... your language is excellent ... full of warmth, the circle of seasons and Mother Earth ... had to read a couple times ... feels good!
E.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks for such a nice review Einstein. It's fun to look at things from a different angle just like the scarecrow. Thanks again

[redflutterby]

For some reason this makes me think of how for everything there is a season. The scarecrow may be taken down but he will rise again after a much needed rest. Superb piece Anne!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you, it was one of those weird poems that wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote it and I kept thinking a scarecrow? But I realize it means much more now that it is done. I appreciate the shout out.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i feel this is a great allegory for a parent, a guide, some type of leader who watches over us until we are successful...and then rests for a minimal amount of time and then climbs that perch once again..

in first line of second stanza, did you mean "lay"?

i really like the depth of this Anne...

many layers that don't readily appear upon first reading...

[icelandicblue]

Thanks jacob-
I meant actually put him to bed, the rough hands of fall to physically lay him down in the field. Ha, I thought that is what I wrote. I am the worst editor ever. Thanks again. I am very persnickity when I use lay and lie and usually very careful.

[icelandicblue]

I must of been thinking of my favorite potato chips. Thanks for that.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

can't eat just one!

[Rita L. Sev]

Does the scarecrow take a vacation, just because it is winter? Does a parent abandon her child just because he has grown distant? I can see a spiritual possibility as well.. Love the images you paint here, Blue. You took my mind somewhere new!

[icelandicblue]

I don't know. I just started thinking about what becomes of the scarecrow when he is no longer needed. This seemed ever so much better than being discarded. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this one. There are times to act and times to rest I think.

[Rita L. Sev]

True - even God rested on the seventh day... :)

[Mr.Boffin]

really enjoy the piece...love the imagery

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much for stopping, reading and taking the time to comment.