I know several attendees from prior writing events and Poetry Friday. I'm looking forward to seeing Linda Baie, Janet Clare, and Pamela Ross. Anyone else from the Poetry Friday crew attending?
I don't mind saying, the prospect of attending as a poet, rather than as a librarian, or a general know-it-all, frightens me a bit. I'm always waiting for the little kid in the crowd who's going to yell out, "She's not wearing clothes!" Will that child suss me out in Honesdale?
My poem for today is a light-hearted approach to October, rather than my real feelings about the season. I wrote in rhyme, which, for me at least, drives me toward lightening up. I think it may work as a children's poem, but to tell the truth, most of what I write is for me (and P.F. visitors) and since I'm 7 1/2 going on 70, I'm not sure what age my poems are for!
Poem © Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Painting by Ernest Parton, "A Field of Wildflowers"
Text:
Early October
An underlying hum
from the delirium
of a hundred honeybees.
A brief period when
golden light portends
chilly changes on the breeze.
White and muted pastel
wildflowers foretell
fashions for winter fairies.
Early ends to the days
find diligence gives way
to woollies, poems, and teas.
It seems like the autumn colors are a little late in coming to New Hampshire this year. The painting I chose generally reflects the color palette outside. Click on the image to enlarge it a bit--doesn't the patch of dark to the right of the tree trunk, look like a Father Time figure? Who is he walking with? (Or, if you prefer--"With whom is he walking?")
[It's been a week or so since I wrote it, and in reading the poem again, I'm sorry I didn't leave it as a short, short poem of just the first stanza. The other three stanzas are unnecessary padding. Come back on Sunday for the shortened version when I'll re-illustrate it for Happy Haiga Day!]
Visit Violet Nesdoly | Poems for the Poetry Friday Round-Up and go out and enjoy this early October weekend!
Your poem delightfully captures the pause of early October. It does seem the year is catching its breath before the end of the year streaks by. And I know what you mean about writing for myself and not knowing what age my poems are best for. Enjoy the Highlights workshop. I wish I were going!
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice for all of us Poetry Friday to meet one day!
DeleteYou should be able to write for yourself, my friend. I wish I were going to the Highlights workshop, but I can't be pried away from my kids. Now if I could bring my kids... LOL
ReplyDeleteSince I always write for myself, I'm hoping to focus my efforts a little more.
DeleteYes, you could stay with that first verse, but I love the 'golden light' that autumn trees bring. I love each part you've added. As you know we've had an invasion of painted ladies this year. They and the bees keep me watching, watching! And, along with the butterflies, I keep taking pictures of the trees, and don't post them all, but our trees here are turning beautifully. Some years are different, I agree. I'm looking forward to being with you, Diane. We only met briefly that one time, so this will give me a chance to learn more of your poetry secrets!
ReplyDeleteI saw quite a few painted ladies when I was up in Ogunquit last week. Were you the one who posted this on FB? http://www.denverpost.com/2017/10/04/unexpected-front-range-weather-blame-butterflies/? It's fascinating!
DeleteI look forward to meeting you again, Linda, but I don't think I have many poetry secrets!
Linda and Diane, have a wonderful time writing poetry at the Highlights workshop. Maybe someday I will be able to attend.
DeleteWonderful sensory details throughout. I especially like the fashions for winter fairies.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, September flew by way too fast and Fall is busy busy busy. Enjoy the Highlights workshop!
I don't seem to be satisfied with much of anything this week, so I reworked the winter fairies verse into a cherita. I'll post it next Friday!
DeleteI love this. And I'm glad you didn't end with the first stanza because then we would've missed this, which I think is perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhite and muted pastel
wildflowers foretell
fashions for winter fairies.
Thanks, Penny. I have an affinity for fairies.
DeleteYou will love Highlights. Seriously, leave your worries completely behind you. I went to Highlights unprepared and nervous and had no confidence and once there....I gave in to the experience and it was absolutely wonderful (even though I caught a cold...I came away high on writing). The cabins, barn, gourmet food, workshop time will completely inspire you. And, if your blog and the poem above is ANY indication, you are READY! I'm jealous. I would so love to be at Highlights again...in any season. However, I'm sure that October is especially spectacular. Enjoy every moment....the hum of those honeybees is like the energy you will enjoy there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pep talk, Linda!
DeleteI really like the rhyme scheme in your poem, Diane. Like you, I find fall a particularly busy time of year and so that last stanza has me wishing! And I'm jealous of your Highlights experience-to-come. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll have highlights of the Highlights experience to share in the future--or at least a poem or two.
DeleteDiane, I always love reading what you bring to PF. The image poem is full of October and while you say that you should have left the poem with the first stanza, I am pleased with the last two stanzas and the rhyming pattern that you wove throughout. Please consider offering this image poem for my next gallery, Autumn Ablaze.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. I'll send it today before I forget.
DeleteA. You are TOTALLY wearing the poet-clothes, so stop with the self-doubt!
ReplyDeleteB. Summer won't quit here in Ohio. I'm sick of 80-degree days.
C. I'm jealous that you're going to the Highlights workshop. Sigh. Someday...
D. Love your poem.
Ha, ha--the poet-clothes! I crack up every time I attend a general writing conference and see all the "poets" in their jeans and black shirts (especially turtlenecks). And sometimes in funky boots!
DeleteLike Mary Lee, I am sick of 80-degree days. I'm ready for woollies and teas! Have a wonderful time at the workshop, poet!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I'm sick of 80-degree days, but I'm certainly surprised by them at this time of year!
DeleteI love the first stanza, and the rest of it, thought that first stanza has gorgeous images in it! I also like the fairy imagery here:
ReplyDelete"White and muted pastel
wildflowers foretell
fashions for winter fairies."
I can see the fairies in their winter garb.
Have a wonderful time at the workshop. I was toying with the idea of going, but my daughter is applying to colleges this year, and I have a full teaching schedule, so perhaps it will happen another year.
The October image works handsomely with your poem, and I can definitely pick out father time. Thanks for all Diane!
I have another illustrated version of the fairy verse for next Friday. The fairy in the pic isn't dressed in her winter garb, but she's sure thinking about her planned outfit. Come back next week and let me know what you think.
DeleteOoh I am jealous of your Highlights workshop--I hope you have the very best time! Plunge in with confidence! I love the "fashions ofr winter fairies" stanza.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Heidi! Have you ever been to one of the Highlights workshops. I hear even the food is great!
DeleteI'm not quite ready for winter fairies, Diane, but this is a lovely poem, indeed! I do hope you'll share lots of poetry goodness from the workshop. It sounds heavenly! -- Christie
ReplyDeleteI'll see what I can do! My note-taking leaves a lot to be desired, though.
DeleteI love the poem, but considering our weather this weekend, it feels like October hasn't even arrived yet! Have fun in Honesdale, Diane, and please tell everyone I said hi - I had wanted to go, but home repairs completely wiped out my funds.
ReplyDeleteThat first stanza is so musical, Diane. Have fun at Highlights. I wish I could be there with you, Linda, and everyone!
ReplyDelete