October 7, 2016

Poetry Friday--Random Thoughts

The significance of this presidential election occupies my thoughts much too much. Writing poems doesn't seem to be an option at this time. One month to go before the anxiety either subsides completely or begins to grow exponentially. Until then, I'm digging through old poems to fill the void. This tanka was written on October 3, 2010 and I used it for today with a photo I had taken back in 2009. My blueberry bush was particularly colorful that year.

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

The photo, uncropped, was also in this haiga from 2010:

© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.

For the Poetry Friday Round-Up you must visit Violet Nesdoly / poems, she's waiting for you! Have a great weekend!

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27 comments:

  1. Margaret SimonOctober 6, 2016 at 9:38 PM

    October's summer hat, isn't it a beauty?

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  2. Sally MurphyOctober 6, 2016 at 10:04 PM

    I love this pair and the way a different cropping of the photo allows for a different emphasis. The 'summer hat' is something I'm looking forward to here.

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:22 AM

      It's so hard for me to imagine you're heading into summer while we're heading into the dark days of winter.

      Delete
  3. Linda BOctober 7, 2016 at 12:24 AM

    I like that you found and shared them both, Diane, but especially love seeing that late picture of a blueberry bush. I didn't know they changed to red in the fall. It's so pretty, and I love the idea of it blushing because it was stripped. (I'm taking a lot of time on this election. Keep hoping!)

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:25 AM

      Many of the smaller woody bushes like blueberry and sumac turn red, so if the taller trees aren't necessarily spectacular, the lower ones take up the slack!

      Delete
  4. Carol VarsalonaOctober 7, 2016 at 1:40 AM

    Diane, the 2nd poem is quite appealing as October dresses in style. I have to admit, like Linda, that I did not know a blueberry bush turns to a reddish hue. May I use October for my fall gallery? I got ideas already.

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:26 AM

      Sure, you can use it, but it has been published before in an online journal. Does that matter to you? I retain the copyright.

      Delete
  5. Brenda at FriendlyFairyTalesOctober 7, 2016 at 8:04 AM

    What a amazing color and beautiful words, Diane.

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  6. TabathaOctober 7, 2016 at 8:45 AM

    Clever take on the redness of the leaves, Diane. (Add me to the list of people who didn't realize that blueberry leaves turn red.)

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:29 AM

      It's a great day when you learn something new! (And you should learn something new every day!)

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  7. jamaOctober 7, 2016 at 11:41 AM

    We've had blueberry bushes but I don't remember them turning red. Love the poems you paired with that gorgeous photo. Love that summer hat!

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:33 AM

      I imagine each variety of blueberry has different features.

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  8. Jane @ www.raincitylibrarian.caOctober 7, 2016 at 11:59 AM

    How fun - I love the idea of the bush blushing, such endearing imagery.

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  9. Matt Forrest EsenwineOctober 7, 2016 at 2:19 PM

    Beautiful, Diane! The laves are finally turning here, now, so I guess autumn has officially arrived...although I still have yet to run the heat, for which I'm happy!

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  10. Violet N.October 7, 2016 at 5:49 PM

    Both of your poems are perfect with the photo. I especially like the one about the hat with its subtle connection, but then the stripped embarrassment is fine too. (And I know what you mean about emotional upheaval silencing the muse. I feel similarly--there are times when, because of what is going on, I cannot write.)

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:36 AM

      I think it will be a while before I can concentrate on much more than the future of our country. I'd love to be able to write something that is not tinged with despair.

      Delete
  11. Michelle Heidenrich BarnesOctober 7, 2016 at 6:12 PM

    I hear ya about being creatively (and otherwise) drained by this election, Diane. I try not to engage with it anymore. One hour of news a day is all I can take! No complaints from me however you decide to fill the poetry void. Your tanka, especially, is delightful.

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:37 AM

      The internet will be the death of me. I'm glad you like the tanka. How did you fare in the storm?

      Delete
  12. AnonymousOctober 8, 2016 at 6:51 AM

    They're both gorgeous, Diane, but I can't go past that blushing blueberry. Commiserations on the elections, which is such a protracted saga. I'm not surprised your muse is hiding.

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    1. Diane MayrOctober 8, 2016 at 10:39 AM

      Indeed it is protracted, and the sad part is, I'm afraid the next one will start on November 9 and run for a full four years. Three months should be the absolute limit. Enough is enough.

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  13. mbhmaineOctober 9, 2016 at 8:27 AM

    Blueberry bushes blushing--what a fabulous image! Both poems are wonderful but that first one will forever influence how I look upon reddening blueberry bushes in the fall. Thanks!

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  14. Heidi MordhorstOctober 9, 2016 at 8:32 AM

    It is very good practice to revisit old work; both of these were worth reviving and both of them revived me! I also didn't know that BLUEberry bushes turn RED in fall--let them represent America rather than our current slog through the mud (not to denigrate mud!) : )

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  15. Mary LeeOctober 9, 2016 at 9:59 AM

    You have blueberry bushes?!?! JEALOUS!

    And as for what will happen after the election...no matter what the outcome, we may still need to dig in our archives until things settle down!!

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