During October, when the leaves are tinted with golddust and autumn air is crispclean, the creation of a Poemtober experience becomes a therapeutic, poetic diversion from heaviness hovering over the world. Thanks to my Florida poet-friend, Rebecca Herzog, who originated the Poemtober word list, I offer a seasonal collection of poetry. Inspired by outside decorations found in my Long Island neighborhood, I have gathered a plethora of visual prompts.
Below you will find an eerie-looking gathering of spectral sights that sway under an October blackdraped evening. To enhance the scene and create an illuminated sight, I digitized the original photo. Then, I crafted a septercet poem, a form created by poet Jane Yolen with a pattern of seven syllables in three-line stanzas.
Welcome to a Blackdraped Evening Celebration
Specters' Chant
"Trick or treat," we sing tonight
as night sounds cause howling fright
and specters rise from their rest.
Illuminated in white,
hands join in a spooky fest,
calling spirits from the tomb.
Under a blackdraped, night sky
hums of ancient doom and gloom
cause neighbors' woeful outcry.
"Shed your flowing white costume
Return to your earthen bed,
the cemetery of dread."
©CV, 2020
🍁👻🍂
Because life is full of fears these days, I saw this amazing outdoor decoration and knew exactly what I wanted to create. My etheree is a call to action, do not enter the fear zone! Face fears that haunt your waking hours.
hover.
Do not let
them enter your
home but face your fears.
They play tricks, ghoulishly
cause weeping, and entomb the
living in a virtual crypt
of trembling trepidation causing
bonechilling frustration and disruption.
©CV, 2020
🍁👻🍂
From one year to the next Poemtober offer opportunities to revisit thoughts and happenings, and create stories, stitches of memories sewn together. For now, join me for Slice of Life Tuesday at Two Writing Teachers and keep writing. It's National Day on Writing.
