On Putting the Clocks Back

Gold cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Sun, 26 Oct 2014
  • 2709 reads
13 comments
 
Autumn drags its heels. Summer – 
got its act together, for a change, this year;
presently, reluctant to leave, nevertheless
gets ready to head on back behind the ridge.
 
Piebald tree-trunks drift in shadows
with smoke from some far-distant bonfire...
Granny Smiths sob their hearts out in the orchard
where they fell, prey to hornets, and wasps
 
and the last of the Black-Eyed Susans, hang 
their heads in soggy shame, along with 
summer-squash - gone to pulp
as they lay.
 
Paint peels from blinded eyes of leaky beach-huts, 
and in the shallows, boats of red, and green, 
list, aimlessly, amongst the reeds in peignoirs
of silken-silver mist.
 
A hammock – strung between two trees, sags, 
forlorn...mourns the fact that, never again,
will it get to hold her...brown-skinned
and  pausing over a favourite book – eyes, 
all rainbows and shooting stars
 
and martins in the eaves of the barn are flown,
as I wait, impatiently, for deer to leave their cloven,
pearly tracks in morning frost, and only today,
I saw swans tilt toward the south.
 
Time was, I would have longed to go with them, 
to the other side of winter, but now I’m content
to remain...follow tried and tested paths,
with welcome boundaries.
 
These frowning, brown corduroy hills
missives that inspire this time of year – speak 
in a thousand tongues to all who would hear...
 
tardy ochre leaves – whispered vespers 
calling them down, and  the green-blue needles 
of the old Scots pine, to fall away, like the soft,
sotto voce of evening rain.
Certificate U
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Philosophy
Nature
Love

Comments

Submitted by Syphon on

Beautifully written. Really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing. 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, Syphon...more than appreciatedsmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Bee on

The description is very beautiful and original. 

'Time was, I would have longed to go with them, 

to the other side of winter, but now I’m content

to remain...follow tried and tested paths,

with welcome boundaries.'  - I liked this stanza because even though it isn't filled with the wonderful imagery of the rest, it shows a feeling of gradual acceptance of the cycle, finding comfort in the familiar.

'would have longed to go with them, 

to the other side of winter,' - I really get the feeling behind this. It's very moving. 

Bee

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Many thanks, Bee.  Pleased you enjoyedsmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Autumn is creeping in slowly, isn't it? some beautiful trees coming, but they always show best in bright sunshine, which also crisps up the 'cornflake' strewn pavements. There is a lovely Autumn garden in the Queenswood arboretum near hear, and they have some of those very special Japanese acers that go so red.
Enjoyed your musings on the time of year, Tina. Thanks. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Good morning, Rhiannonsmiley You're so right about autumn.  This morning, here, is just like spring, and because of that the trees do look glorious.  And I do so love your description of 'cornflake' strewn pavements.  Queenswood sounds a lovely place, with all its acers.  They are one of my favourite plants, and I have one or two myself.  Trouble is they don't like cold winds, and are very subject to 'leaf burn', so I try to keep them in a sheltered spot.  The red of their leaves is second to none.

Pleased you enjoyed my poem, Rhiannon, and many thanks for letting me know in such a picturesque way.

Tina

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Tina

Lovely poem this, well deserving of its award. I particularly liked the Grannie Smith's sobbing their hearts out.

Jean

Jean Day

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thank, Jean...very muchsmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Yvonne Anderson on

Hi Tina, what a gorgeous poem, suffused with beautiful imagery and thoughtfulness. 

Best wishes. Yvonne

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, Yvonne - pleased you thought so, and took the trouble to tell me.

All best wishes to you, toosmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Yvonne Anderson on

Hi Tina, what a gorgeous poem, suffused with beautiful imagery and thoughtfulness. 

Best wishes. Yvonne

Submitted by Philip Sidney on

A feeling of softness and time slowing down, lovely.

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Gosh you have been busy, Philip.  Good of you to take the time to read my stuff, and I hope you're enjoying a pleasant Sunday.

Tina