Autumn

A clinging coolness in the morning air
Makes boyhood autumns live once more—
Blue-ribbon produce at the county fair,
Father trimming a newly sticking  door.

Walking to school on frost-crusted leaves,
I worry about what awaits me in fifth grade.
Water dripping from icicles hanging on eaves
Temporarily distracts me from being afraid.

I develop a crush on my teacher, Miss Hales.
She stirs something mysterious inside me.
It’s clear in this season I will face new trails,
Including the allurement of a grown-up she.

Peers make light of the patches on my coat
Lovingly stitched by my Mother one night.
I find it unseemly they are wont to gloat,
But they are unaware of my family’s plight.

Radio was the rage during my tender years.
I ran home after school to hear more and more
Spoken by heroes who vanquished all fears.
While real heroes were dying in the gore of war.

Autumn’s advent brings a flurry of emotions.
They happen like snowfall year after year.
I smile at them now, noting boyish notions,
But morning air leads me to hold them dear.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 1/2/2016 12:04:00 AM
Magnificent poem! A7 Adding this one to my fav list and thanks..
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Date: 2/1/2015 4:46:00 PM
Congrad's on your win. I went right back there with you. Light & Love
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 9:27:00 PM
Many thanks, Debbie. Your thoughtfulness in commenting means a lot to me. I should add that I'm grateful we took the trip back together.
Date: 2/1/2015 4:02:00 PM
Paul, congratulations! Your poem rocks...SKAT
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 9:35:00 PM
SKAT A, It's kind and thoughtful of you to take time to comment, and to do it in a way with which my geologist neighbor would readily identify. Sincere thanks.
Date: 2/1/2015 9:54:00 AM
Dropping back with my congrats Paul:-) Hugs Jan xx
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Jan Allison
Date: 2/1/2015 10:35:00 AM
I try and read all the winning poems Paul. I think it is a way of broadening my horizons and learning - I've been on an an amazing journey in fact I think today is my first anniversary of joining the site:-) Hugs jan xxx
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 10:33:00 AM
Thank you, Jan. It's characteristically thoughtful of you to write and extend congratulations. Please know of my gratitude.
Date: 2/1/2015 9:47:00 AM
Hello Paul, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :) Thank you for supporting one of my contest. Stop by my latest blog "Own your Beauty" if you'd like or have time. Have yourself a wonderful day. Love LINDA
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 10:37:00 AM
Thank you, Linda. Wow . . . never thought I could compete in a contest sponsored by you—a poet's poet. I will, indeed, read "Own your Beauty." Thanks for the invitation.
Date: 10/17/2014 1:29:00 AM
Fall is my very favorite season of all Paul. Nice recounting of many of your dear boyhood memories it seems to me if this poem is not fictional at all. :) enjoyed the read my sweet friend. You're very good poet! Keep writing, posting and sharing! God bless you! Love & light! xxxx D.
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 10:50:00 AM
Dear Dorian, Why I failed to acknowledge your warm and gracious comment last October is a mystery—and an embarrassment—to me. Please accept my belated thanks. I value and appreciate your kind and encouraging support.
Date: 9/26/2014 5:58:00 AM
Paul, A most wonderfully superb write here!! Reading "Autumn" and absorbing its subtle imagery virtually transported me back to the early 1950s when I was young kid growing up in Kansas. Some of your words pushed buttons from the time that had not activated for quite some time, that is, some experiences in grade school similar to your word picture. I agree with Jan that " . . . many can relate to this write in some parts . . . ." Again, a most excellent write in all respects!! Best Wishes, Gary
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Gary Bateman
Date: 2/2/2015 4:27:00 PM
Paul, No problem and no worries!! I do understand. Continued best wishes to you for the new year. I look forward to reading more of your wonderful poetry!! Best Wishes, Gary
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 10:44:00 AM
Gary, I don't know why I failed to acknowledge your gracious and kind comment posted last Sept. Do you suppose the "wages of age" could be a factor? In any event, please know of my appreciation, and please accept my apology.
Date: 9/22/2014 1:37:00 PM
Love it!
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 9:44:00 PM
Thank you, Pendleton. I can't think of a nicer, more encouraging comment.
Date: 9/22/2014 12:35:00 PM
wonderful nostalgic write Paul. I love the imagery and memories of the hardship with patched clothes with peers not understanding family circumstances and the crush on the teacher - guess many can relate to this write in some parts:-) its a 7 from me:-) hugs Jan xx
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Paul Schneiter
Date: 2/1/2015 10:40:00 AM
Jan, please forgive me for failing to acknowledge your kind comment (way back in Sept. of last year). Thank you. I could not be more grateful.
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