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Notes About The Poem

Wild Roots of September

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Through personal growth and the inevitability of change, I try to capture the moments of clarity in my life. Seasonal changes bring on a sense of nostalgia, and I wonder what I think about when I visit the past. Do I seek progress and reform? Do I have hope of stability and conformity? Is there a blend of mindfulness, acceptance, and constant growth? Come along as we explore the passage of seasons.

Blessings,
Daniel

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1

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Wild Roots of September

In raw dawn I emerge
crow-thoughts
pecking skull-bone
black as plowed earth.

Farm-stench floods –
dung, hay and blood –
primal musk of life
and death intertwined.
Yet in this first breath
of day there’s a peace
and so stillness
rising from the land
like a satin prayer.

Twin mountains loom
granite-toothed giants
gnawing at the pale sky’s
underbelly.
I but a mere-minuscule mote
of flesh and bone am
dwarfed by their
ancient scarred faces.

The tractor snarls
like a metal-jawed beast
that devours field-flesh
spitting soil.
My hands are rugged roots
that guide its hunger
plowing furrows deep
as grave-cuts.
But the earth yields
willingly, a quiet surrender
turning in my hands
soft as a child’s hair.

Autumn’s talons slash
the trees;
gold-crimson wounds
blaze on high.
Apples hang heavy
as bull-hearts
gorged on summer’s
stored fire.
I pause beneath
their burdened boughs
grateful for
this fierce abundance.

In this moment
I breathe deeply
feeling the earth’s
heartbeat beneath my feet.

As the day fades
night falls –
a raven’s wing.
Fireflies pulse with
earth’s eruptive heartbeat.
I breathe darkness
tasting wildness
the land’s raw essence
on my parched tongue.
But even in the darkness
a flicker of joy –
the quiet dance of stars
stitching the sky.
I stand still
absorbing the night’s clarity
finding peace
in its gentle, expansive face.

Seasons wheel
grinding years to dust.
Farm fades
a ghost in memory’s must.
Transplanted, I –
a storm-bent sapling –
root in suburban soil
alien and tame.
Still, I learn the ways
of this quieter earth
the song of crickets
and the patient stretch of vines.

Amidst this change
I find a new rhythm
a softer, yet equally
recondite connection.
And still, nature’s howl
reflecting through hills
in Longwood’s manicured gardens
in Brandywine’s patient
stone-tongued flow
and in the defiant oak’s
iron-bark stand.

As the cycle continues
September returns
eternal as breath
painting the world
in flame and blood-gold.
I stalk these quiet trails
remembering
the wild beast
that still prowls within.

In this reflection
I find not fear but hope, kinship
a shared pulse
the heart of the world in me;
and in that heartbeat
I reclaim my home.

As I hear the crow calls
heralding the dawn
I arise anew
whole in this sacred cycle
ready to welcome
the dawning new day.

farmlifenaturenostalgiaseasonsfree verse

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Paul Callus

Date: 9/18/2024 2:20:00 PM

This beautiful and expressive poem meanders through twists and turns of imagery, metaphors, recollections and emotions, Daniel. I am not usually keen on long poems, but this one kept me riveted right to the very end. A big round of applause for you! ~ Regards // paul

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/19/2024 5:04:00 AM

Hello Paul, what a gracious comment, and I feel humbly honored to read your words this morning. I am glad that you received so much from this poem and a poet cannot ask for anything more. Have a great day! - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Kelli White

Date: 9/17/2024 12:20:00 PM

What an incredible tribute with such visionary dedication well done, Kelli

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/19/2024 5:02:00 AM

Dear Kelli, thank you for your wonderful comments and it truly means a lot to me. Have a great day! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Maria Williams

Date: 9/16/2024 12:57:00 AM

A veritable smorgasboard of images, and aromas assail me when I read your and your last verse brings a new life. thanks for sharing. Hugs Maria

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/16/2024 7:36:00 AM

Dear Maria, I am so happy to see your thoughts this morning. It is very encouraging and I am very appreciative. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mike Bayles

Date: 9/15/2024 4:53:00 PM

Daniel, the imagery in this poem is breath-taking, and the language original. I es[ecially like the second stanza. I love the turn this poem takes in the stanza that starts with "Seasons wheel," but the poem continues to twist and turn. Amazing. A Fav.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/16/2024 7:35:00 AM

Hello Mike, I am always grateful to see when a reader catches the nuances and changes within the words. Thank you so much for commenting. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 9/15/2024 4:02:00 PM

Hello Daniel Rodgers, this poem is wonderful. I enjoyed to read. it will be my fav. blessings my friend. /Darlene/

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 9/16/2024 10:51:00 AM

Hello Daniel, I am pleased to have made your day brighter. You are very welcome. blessings my dear friend. /Darlene/

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/16/2024 7:34:00 AM

Dear Darlene, I am so appreciative of your visit and your words of encouragement this morning. Thank you and have a wonderful week! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Regina Elliott

Date: 9/15/2024 1:41:00 PM

Breathtaking, Daniel, dear poetry friend. Words can't really express my awe. A blessed Sunday to you and your family. ~

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/16/2024 7:33:00 AM

Dear Gina, Ahh, what lovely words to read this morning. Thanks and yes I was blessed by my middle daughter and one of my granddaughters all weekend. Have a great week! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 9/13/2024 7:27:00 AM

Daniel, A lot of daily chores may seem like a grind, and then you highlight the other side of experience, which presents a more thoughtful and contemplative existence. This is something we can all think about as we traverse each day. You have a wonderful style that gives us all here much to consider.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/16/2024 7:31:00 AM

Hello Duke, Thanks my friend for your words of motivation. Our world envelops us with constant contemplation and what we can discover and apply in healthy ways. I believe for each of us poets we are trying to bring more enlightenment into existence. Always a pleasure to see you. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 9/12/2024 6:24:00 PM

Your vivid images made reading this beautiful, engrossing poem a real treat, my friend. Love it! Best of wishes, Evelyn

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/13/2024 5:41:00 AM

Dear Evelyn, Ahh thank you so much and I am so appreciative of your thoughts and comments. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Laura Leiser

Date: 9/12/2024 3:30:00 PM

What a deep and incredible assortment of metaphors and imagery you have packed into this powerful seasonal poem, Daniel! A fave..Just WOW! Loved this one! :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/13/2024 5:40:00 AM

Dear Laura, I am grateful for your inspiring comments. Autumn is so full of inspiration for me. Thank you so much for your visit! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Susan Ashley

Date: 9/12/2024 7:47:00 AM

Dear Daniel, wow! Verse by incredible verse, I was captivated by the intense creativity of your imagery and metaphors. Imagery of life, death and contemplative thoughts collide with a potent, poetic force of thought-provoking phrases that are deep, rich, harsh, yet revealed with a mindful spirit "soft as a child’s hair." I could quote every line here, each is an exquisite revelation of your life's journey! Your meditation on this "sacred cycle" of the "seasons' wheel" is awe-inspiring! A FAV! Your golden pen outshine the sun! Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/13/2024 5:38:00 AM

Dear Susan, I am so thankful for your lovely comments. The Autumn always inspires me, and I love looking for ways to convey the wonders of life, the ups, downs, and sideways. As poets, our words are alive with memories and experiences that we share with the world. Thank you for your wonderful visit and accolades. I look forward to reading more of your poetry, which is truly inspiring. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind

Date: 9/11/2024 10:17:00 AM

You truly have described September well...with its haunts and beauty

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/12/2024 3:45:00 AM

Dear Paige, thank you for your words of encouragement. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman

Date: 9/10/2024 11:11:00 AM

A "sacred cycle" indeed, Daniel. Each season blends memories with new experiences and when we wake each day we are invited into those sacred, holy moments - season song. Beautiful imagery, lyrical cadence and striking metaphors (the musician just can't be kept down!). I love the way you use the raven and the crow to begin and end the poem tying up your inclusive theme! Sending you blessings for every season, dear friend!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/11/2024 4:06:00 AM

Dear Sam, I am so appreciative of your comments and visit. Funny, I almost didn't have the crow at the end of the poem but thought it would make it more connected and cyclical if I added it. Thank you for noticing some of these nuances. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 9/10/2024 9:04:00 AM

Your talent shines. What impeccable imagery in your poem! Scenes rush by one after another like scenes in a film. Metaphors abound. All in all, this is a great poem. I laud your devotion to Our Lord. Blessings.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/11/2024 4:04:00 AM

Dear Victor, Thank you, my friend, for your visit and gracious comments. Our Lord is great, and his creation is for our enjoyment and wandering. Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paul Willason

Date: 9/10/2024 3:26:00 AM

Densely packed and meaningul...delivers full value to the reader my friend. Spent some time on this one and thorougly enjoyed the stimulation and skill in the construction. Cheers.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:17:00 AM

Hello Paul, What a wonderful visit that brought me joy this morning. When I go for the heart, my poems expand, and I worry at times they are too long. However, if said right, it is worth reading. I love reading your poetry for similar reasons. - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress

Date: 9/9/2024 9:58:00 PM

Ah to feel the earths heartbeat, how beautifully youve written this dear daniel, not just the way youv paired words but also how humble you are when observing and praising nature and all that around is what makes this poem stand out for me! I really love the lines “ I but a mere-minuscule mote of flesh and bone am dwarfed by their ancient scarred faces.” That hits home and also “ blood gold” “shared pulse” “ storm bent sapling” i think we studied also psychology because we are deep feelers and thinkers that grasp energy of little things like leaves, change in colors etc and we reflect, meditate and response soulfully and mindfully, feeling the heartbeat of all that around! Thats what i feel from your Empathetic ink! Pleasure reading this gem! A fave it is for me! Sending you light always! Autumn is my fave season although september isnt my fave month but still. I love poems written about sept and also prompts related to that! Love this! FAV

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:15:00 AM

Dearest Empress, what a delight to read your words this morning and so soul filling. Nature is full of wonder and amazement and is taken for granted at times. It is a beautiful thing to explore and be mindful of what is in our lives. To notice the unnoticeable, that is what I like to say is the definition of poetry. Seeing and exploring and sharing those aspects with our readers. I love it that you find Autumn, Psychology, Philosophy, Nature to all be worthy of our attention. What would life be without all the nuances and changes that bring a life well lived. Thanks for being part of that life well lived. - Blessings, My Dear Empress, Daniel

Valsa George

Date: 9/9/2024 9:04:00 PM

Hi Daniel, you are a poet wizard! How beautiful are your analogies and metaphors. This journey through years and seasons has been so enriching with something spectacular and educational at every bend. This is truly poetry of the highest grade. "Twin mountains loom granite-toothed giants gnawing at the pale sky’s underbelly. I but a mere-minuscule mote of flesh and bone am dwarfed by their ancient scarred faces." Against the forces of nature, how inconsequential we are. "Amidst this change I find a new rhythm a softer, yet equally recondite connection." This ability to connect yourself to nature, change and God- the creator of all, that gives lofty dimensions and joy and contentment to your life. A FAVE for me, gifted poet!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:09:00 AM

Dear Valsa, Again I always love reading your wonderful and gracious notes on my poems. Sometimes I believe that a certain poem will click with the audience and it falls short other times I think this is just something from my heart and may not appeal to many but find it touches the reader. This is one of those poems that I loved writing and it has become something more special. Nature has always been a blessing to me for I believe God wrote two books, the written documented word and the Created yet to be explored word found in nature. Thanks for filling my heart this morning and I am so glad you are part of my world. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Karen Croft

Date: 9/9/2024 6:54:00 PM

A beautiful inspiring poem!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:06:00 AM

Dear Karen, what wonderful words to read this morning and I am so thankful. - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 9/9/2024 5:04:00 PM

A positive outlook. I think I'd miss the farm, too. This is a beautiful poem.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:05:00 AM

Dear Hilda, Thank You, I do miss the farm from time to time but realize that it would not be the life for me. God had other plans. :) - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 9/9/2024 4:57:00 PM

Ooh, love the opener! Farm-stench floods, primordial to peace and stillness rising from a “satin prayer. Love you standing amidst nature’s giants! Heavy duty imagery compared to softness as a child’s hair. Impeccable Fall imagery! The earths’s heartbeat below your feet. and so on…hope you will have POTD! Wonderful and a fave!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 9/9/2024 2:31:00 PM

What a lovely/wonderful write with a great picture. The year comes with many changes. I love the fall time when it gets cooler. "Good Luck" if for a contest... Have a blessed day writing away............

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:04:00 AM

Dear Paula, I am so appreciative of your visits and lovely comments. I too love the Autumn weather and time of year. I do not enter to many contests so this one is strictly from the heart. - Blessings, MY Dear Friend, Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 9/9/2024 12:57:00 PM

I enjoyed reading this one. We all change, but some with some only very slight changes, while others change a great deal over their lifetime. I always hope that I change for the better or the best that is possible with I have got to change. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Go with God and all will work out in the end for the best. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:03:00 AM

Dear Sara, Thank you for reading my poem and leaving wonderful comments. I am like you that I would like to change for the better of me and those I interface with. give God the Glory! - Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joe Maverick

Date: 9/9/2024 12:31:00 PM

Oh my Daniel..Thst is one trip you took us on.' My one gripe is..I didn expect to go a whole Year?? I mean all the way to September again And july was way to hot, and me still in heavy Clothes..There should be a warning on thiis thats what I think.?? Lol))

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 9/10/2024 7:02:00 AM

Hello Joe, You made me laugh this morning and loved your comments. Next time I will for warn you. LOL - Blessings, My Friend, Daniel