The Cinnamon Turn of Autumn

 


In fairy dust, and dry oak leaves

autumn climbs upon its throne

feeling tree limbs shudder their woe

of coming frost to strip them to skeletons.

 

Dressed in sun yellow and orange crush

the forest sings its song of slumber praying

the season’s interlude will be kind to weathered wombs

who are hand maidens to capricious seasons.

 

In the crushed breath of fallen leaves wild things

dress in cinnamon frocks to dance as ghosts

through hours shortened by the moon’s demand

her star bearers cut sunset into sapphire.

 

As the shadow quilt of the canopy becomes threadbare

thoughts wrap themselves in candle flames and memories

to strengthen the spirit for soulful hours of imagining

sunlight grows from the center of a light bulb.


 ©Susie Clevenger 2020



 The Sunday Muse #132

Poets and Storytellers United ~ Writer's Pantry #44

Comments

Finely Spun said…
This is such a sumptious poem. I want to wrap it around me, smell it, touch it, taste it.
November 1, 2020 at 5:06 PM
Jim said…
This is great, keeps this reader busy ataying up.
"... her star bearers cut sunset into sapphire..." I like how you incorporate the Sun, stars, and the Moon with active parts. Then at the end relegating Sunlight's source as a light bulb.
..

 

November 1, 2020 at 6:40 PM
qbit said…
"In the crushed breath of fallen leaves wild things / dress in cinnamon frocks to dance as ghosts" - beautiful!
November 1, 2020 at 7:39 PM
Ellecee said…
This is really lovely! A magical description of fall, her moods and companions, I felt included,,:-)
November 2, 2020 at 5:10 AM
Rosemary Nissen-Wade said…
The language is indeed beautiful. But it makes me think your winters must be very cold indeed – which I would hate, but maybe you don't.
November 2, 2020 at 5:19 AM
colleen Looseleaf said…
Magical. I love trees stripped to skeletons and orange crush.
November 2, 2020 at 7:30 AM
C. Sandlin said…
Love the sunset cut into sapphire. This is gorgeous and on that line where sadness becomes awe.
November 2, 2020 at 7:51 AM
Helen said…
Susie, this is a lovely poem and choosing Eva’s music was a brilliant choice. She was a favorite of mine ... left us too soon. My walking playlist is full of her songs.
November 2, 2020 at 8:45 AM
indybev said…
This is the kind of poem one can read over and over and savor each and every time. Autumn is my very favorite time of year, and you have captured every nuance with elegant phrases. Thank you!
November 2, 2020 at 10:07 AM
Carrie Van Horn said…
Gorgeous imagery that is magical to read! May Autumn climb upon her throne and linger long!
November 2, 2020 at 10:18 AM
Khaya Ronkainen said…
Autumn is so magical, and the poem title alone is enticing. But oh, the vivid imagery that feeds all senses...Beautiful!
November 3, 2020 at 11:55 AM
Magaly Guerrero said…
This is gorgeous, Susie. And I love how the imagery and tone bring to mind works by Leonard Cohen and by Neil Gaiman, but the poem is still all you.
November 3, 2020 at 1:01 PM
Rommy said…
I'm glad I was a little late to this party, because reading this piece today was a needed bit of magic
November 3, 2020 at 1:08 PM
Magical Mystical Teacher said…
I can almost smell these woods. The tannin in the oak leaves seems to linger on my tongue.
November 3, 2020 at 6:13 PM
purplepeninportland.com said…
In the crushed breath of fallen leaves wild things

dress in cinnamon frocks to dance as ghosts

through hours shortened by the moon’s demand

her star bearers cut sunset into sapphire.“

How stunning this is, Susie!
November 4, 2020 at 3:03 PM
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