October

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Sat, 17 Oct 2015
  • 7369 reads
22 comments
 

continuing the series on the months inspired by Eifion Wyn’ series in Welsh, with a little more help from his ' Hydref’ [October] this time:

The green now recalled,
the flowers have fled,
their finery faded
– a shroud for the dead.

Each sleepy day shorter
– the daylight flies –
sooner and sooner
it closes its eyes.

Prepared for the winter
prepared for the spring,
food stored, so that future
new growth can begin.

As frosts crisp leaf litter,
and trees’ hues ignite,
sun melts mist of morning,
and the colours blaze bright.

Toadstools appear,
on lawns, in the mulch,
the ground getting soggier,
our boots squish and squelch,

How precious a home,
a haven that’s warm
as winter creeps nearer,
with ice, wind and storm.

 

Certificate U
Poem
The Months of the Year
Nature

Comments

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

beautiful - especially the fourth stanza. I'm really enjoying this sequence of poems Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you so much, that's really nice to know, Insert. And thanks for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

Beautiful!

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by cassiegoeswild on

I really like this - it made me think a lot about how things end and that seems kind of bleak but the endings are just time for rest until new beginings. Maybe your poem was more literal than that but I read it as a powerful metaphor.

Cass

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks cassie. Yes, and can be a reminder of waiting in trust during hard times. regards, Rhiannon

 

Submitted by loquaciousicity on

These get better and better, Rhiannon!!!

Keep 'em coming...

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Terry, I do hope to complete the year! But I appreciate your assessment, very much. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by torscot on

A truly delightful read and thought provoking at the same time.

I have just had the chimney swept ready for the log fires plus toasted marshmallows.

But, I'm also reminded of how lucky I am  "...How precious a home, a haven that’s warm..."

and not a rough sleeper.

 

 

torscot

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Torscot. I'm pleased you enjoyed. The log fire and marshmallows sound cosy!

and yes, we need to be so thankful for our homes, and spare a thought and prayer for those trying to help those without, too. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Rhiannon - you continue to amaze with this series.  I echo insert's words, loud and clear

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you very much, Tina. I have got some inspiration from the Welsh series some of which I liked at a child, though some of them just weren't 'me', or I couldn't understand the Welsh! But it is proving an enjoyable challenge, to think myself of what I wanted to remember of the gradual changes as month follows month. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

Hi Rhiannon this is so rich, studded with beautiful things - a reminder that as winter gets closer how lucky we are to have warm, dry homes to go back to, especially those of us who work outside.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jane. Do you work outside? I expect it helps you to be hardy and notice the changes in nature, and as you say especially appreciate the cosy place to return to. The little bush in the picture, I have forgotten its name but it is beautiful in the autumn and catches any morning sun and is there for her to see when I open my elderly mother-in-law's blind in the morning, gives her much pleasure. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Rhiannon

A lovely little poem for October. I hope it will be on your calendar.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jean. We have to find time to do a calendar this year if so! Actually my husband was realising he's had less opportunity to take photos this year, but I said he could probably delve into his archives, given time! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

Rhus typhina - Stag's Horn Sumach x

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Oh, thanks so much, Jane. I lost the label! Just been looking it up, I don't think we've had flowers or fruit on ours (yet), or suckers, but it does look lovely in summer and especially autumn, and certainly looks like velvety antlers in the winter! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Bee on

There's real beauty in the changing seasons - I love the autumn - seeing mushrooms appear, frosts, etc, but it does make us appreciate a warm home to come back to after a chilly ramble, and you captured all this so beautifully. Lovely poem. 

Bee

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Bee. Glad you ejoyed it, and yes, beauty in the changing seasons, and each making us appreciate the others. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

What wonderful descriptions of the season, it gave me a nice cosy feeling to be home in the warm while reading.

I think you've captured every moment in this poem Rhiannon.

Very much enjoyed.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks, Jenny, and thanks for letting me know. Rhiannon