This week, fall weather reminds me of November days when I was a child in upstate New York State. Winter usually visited around Thanksgiving and continued her journey up to Easter. The weather was always the center of conversation; now, Winter's nip in the air again interrupts Autumn. Instead of crispness in the air, the shock of blowing cold air leads me to wear triple layers of clothing in the early morning even though the sun shines brightly. Leaves are crinkly and create interesting sounds as they scatter underfoot. There are no birds soaring and chirping this week. Perhaps, they realize it is time to head south. The local meteorologist predicts a long week of cold weather and snow in some areas. Luckily, the heating system keeps it warm inside the house. The beauty of the season keeps floating back into my mind
"Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influence of the earth." - Henry David Thoreau
For me, Nature Nurtures the Soul!
Each Wednesday, Margaret Simon posts an invitation to write alongside her at This Photo Wants to be a Poem. Yesterday, she posted a photo of a cardinal that reminded me of a winter day several years ago. A cardinal perched on my picket fence and let me approach so I could take a photograph. Below is my response to Margaret's photo, Cardinal in the Cold.
Cardinal Ponders
May you enjoy the upcoming season of joy.
For now, stroll over to Jama Rattigan's blog, Jama's Alphabet Soup, to enjoy the Poetry Friday Roundup and Jama's beautiful spread of Thanksgiving art, desserts, and a poem that is a parody of Thanksgiving.
It's been a cold week for sure -- kind of shocking, actually. Winter is definitely on the way. I love cardinals and feel blessed to see them around here occasionally. I like your poem heralding the season of joy and hope!
ReplyDeleteJama, ...and the cold weather continues here. Thank you for your comments. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Delete"Season of joy-hope for all" is my wish, too, Carol. I love your mantra that celebrates all that we have in our lives, indeed bountiful. I am grateful for you & the kindnesses you share throughout the year. (I miss those flashy cardinals. They are not here in Colorado!) Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family!
ReplyDeleteLinda, someday I would like to meet you face-to-face and share the beauty of nature. For now, I send wishes for a joyful and restful Thanksgiving with your family.
DeleteWhat a beautiful pairing of poem and photo. Royal red--stunning. I remember those weather conversations in NYS. Thanksgiving to Easter when it was a time that girls were expected to wear a dress or skirt! Oh, that cold. I don't miss it. Hugs to you for the memories and the poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Carol! We've been enjoying all the bluejays this week. Here's to the wonder of winter birds... and happy Poetry Friday!
ReplyDeleteCardinals always make me feel joyful and hopeful, Carol. Thanks for this bit of loveliness!
ReplyDeleteLovely poem for Margaret's posting Carol, such a gorgeous red she captured in that cardinal, and I like your message of "hope for all" and "Nature Nurtures the Soul!" And your tree images too, thanks and Happy thanksgiving to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI think of all of you northeastern-ers bracing for winter... there is something about the transition of seasons... we seem to enjoy anticipating the change, but the novelty wears off when too much cold (or heat) sets in.
ReplyDeleteI love an undaunted cardinal :)