John Watt Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

In November

In November I write of winter
  for I am weary of the old year and tired bones
I visualize all hardships blanketed with fresh snowfall
geese in a "V" as they flee on trade winds to the south
season's celebrations, toasting in the new year
senior couples delighting in a luminous sunset
knowing it might be their last together

In February I write of spring
  for I am weary of the bone-chilling cold
I envision the circle of life resurrecting dormant earth and tired souls
zephyr winds teasing nascent flower petals and young hummingbirds
mayday flower crowns adorning laughing children
young lovers sharing kisses, dreaming dreams of
infinite possibilities

In May I write of summer
  for I am weary of the bone-soaking rain
I forecast cloudless skies and longer days
Santa Ana winds dismissing every chill
a lark's lilting lullaby lulling loons on the lake
vacationing families basking in the warm outdoors
brides and grooms viewing limitless horizons

In August I write of autumn
  for I am weary of the bone-dry heat
I anticipate bewitching fall winds tantalizing neon maple leaves
turkeys gobbling, ducks wobbling, thrushes warbling
harvest home throbbing with the aroma of fresh pie
middle age couples cuddling by the fireplace
giving thanks for all that lies behind and ahead

Lord, help me to view the past with grace, 
the future with hope,
the present with contentment,
  and to write of November     
                                            in November.


written 25 October 2021

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Andrea Dietrich July 14, 2022 at 12:49 PM Just had to come back and congratulate you for November. I am sure hoping my September poem fares as well.

Susan Ashley July 11, 2022 at 7:25 PM Dearest PoBro, you already know how much I adore this poem. It is the epitome of emotional artistry, such is the might of your genuine heart rising to stellar heights of creativity. I didn’t think I could possibly love this poem more until I had the great pleasure of re-reading it tonight once again. Your poetic brilliance shines especially in “a lark’s lilting lullaby lulling loons on the lake” Wow! Such a sensational image among the treasure trove here. Congratulations, John, on your wonderful win in Mark’s contest. I wish I could fav this gem again and again. Warmest wishes and hugs.. your PS-PS Susan Ashley July 13, 2022 at 6:57 AM Oh yes, John, I know this song and I just enjoyed listening to it on Spotify. Sam Cooke had such a beautiful voice. The song captures well the sweet and deep appreciation we both have for each other’s poetry. I relish your amazing response to my comments, my dear PoBro John Watt July 12, 2022 at 12:24 AM Susan, you know the Sam Cooke song, "You Send Me"? Well, you send me. I often feel I have extinguished my supply or worthy adjectives to express either gratitude for your treasured comments or awe of your cherished poetry. Go put on Sam Cooke (and thank you, dear PS-PS!)

David Kavanagh July 9, 2022 at 8:37 AM Life always seems to be thought about in the future or past tense, when we tire of the here and now, but it’s always the here and now we must live in, Your poem to me is all about human perspective, and ignoring the beauty of what’s actually to be found right around us, when it’s ripe to be enjoyed I have erred on these grounds so often, wonderful uplifting poem John, congratulations! cheers David John Watt July 9, 2022 at 11:23 PM You are exactly in tune with this message, David. I too have erred, and I wrote this as a reminder to stay in the present tense and don't miss the moment. Thank you for your very encouraging comment. Best wishes to you in the marathon.

Gary Radice July 9, 2022 at 4:48 AM In July 2022 I write of a John Watt classic that I missed first time around.. Wonderfully structured. The associations with each season provide great imagery. I love the line: "dreaming dreams of infinite possibilities"..The cycle of seasons provide a natural flow to your words John. It's human to get restless and look forward to the next stage but it is also human to enjoy life in the now and for however long we can. Just my take on a lovely poem. Cheers - Gary John Watt July 9, 2022 at 11:20 PM Gary, I always relish your comments for the connection we have made from your deep and careful reads and sensing what the words are driving at. I am richly blessed by your poetry friendship - thank you.

Valsa George July 8, 2022 at 10:36 PM As I read it once more, I feel its beauty has enhanced ! Congratulations dear John on your win in the Marathon ! John Watt July 9, 2022 at 11:16 PM This poem was where I met you, my dear friend (see below). Thank you for all the kind support and inspiring poetry since then!

Paula Goldsmith July 8, 2022 at 1:03 PM Back with "Congratulations" on this New win. "Wonderful" Have a great/blessed day.............. John Watt July 9, 2022 at 11:17 PM Thank you, Paula. I hope your weekend is going well ~ John

Mark Toney July 8, 2022 at 12:56 PM John, you beautifully cover all of the seasons of life. I can see why this was worthy of POTW. Particularly sobering to me are the last two lines of the first stanza. And may the penultimate line of the poem apply to us all. Congratulations on your win on Mile 6 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Mile 7 has already started! John Watt July 9, 2022 at 11:27 PM Mark, thank you for deeming this a winner and pointing out the lines most meaningful to you. I am enjoying your marathon very much.

Valsa George November 13, 2021 at 4:09 AM A wonderful journey through the months and seasons. The inability to relish what is at hand is the greatest tragedy of all human beings ! The closing lines are indeed an icing on the cake. A prayer and a supplication to the muse which you have raised for all of mankind . Can't but applaud this gem of a poem ! John Watt November 16, 2021 at 3:21 PM Hi Valsa, it's very nice to meet you here at Poetry Soup. I sure appreciate your comment and the kind words you have left behind for me. Enjoy your day ~ John

Charles Messina November 11, 2021 at 2:49 PM Whoa, John. You have such a talent for poetry. The way you expressed and described the seasons...Masterful! Your muse has taught you well. In November, December, Janu...oh forget it, Every month (lol) Congrats on POTW! Hope all is well...Charlie John Watt November 16, 2021 at 3:20 PM Charlie, thank you ever so kindly for the fun and heartwarming comment and congrats. Yes, all is well and my busy year has gotten less busy recently so that means more soup time and more writing. Hope you are well ~ John

Andrea Dietrich November 5, 2021 at 4:12 PM I am seeing you got a potW?? wOW WOW, i sure know how to call them, don't I? John Watt November 5, 2021 at 11:43 PM Haha, you sure do! Thank you, friend.

Susan Ashley November 3, 2021 at 12:23 PM Oh, John, where do I begin to express my admiration and appreciation for the wonders of your mind, heart and soul.. What an expressive, impressive masterwork of rich, poignant, optimistic and weary yet appreciative metaphorical beauty. Your poem is a gem of brilliance. The last stanza's prayerful plea is a grand finale to an extraordinary and exquisite poem that simply takes my breath away as I am swept up into the artistry and emotions of each seasons.. indeed, I am content in the present moment, in November, as I read this FAVE again and again. Congratulations for POTW honors, my dear PS PB! An absolutely worthy choice and so very well-deserved. Enjoy the honors and the standing ovation! Warmest wishes and hugs.. ~Susan John Watt November 4, 2021 at 11:29 PM Dear Susan, I always find myself holding my breath when I first take notice of your comments, for I know I will be taken into the skies in a balloon ride of poetic enthusiasm and friendly support. Your gracious and generous reads are so meticulous and your descriptions so detailed I would think you could have a career as a poetry editor. Your comments are as poetic as your soaring and soulful poetry. Thank you, dear PS-PS for sending your warm trade winds to meet my sails. So grateful for the fave, the kind words, and the delightful friendship we have enjoyed. Hugs ~ John

Jennifer Proxenos November 3, 2021 at 9:58 AM John, guess what, after having read your poem and before I scrolled down, I was certain you would get POTD, and then I scrolled down and saw POTW - I was not surprised, this is outstanding, wonderful, awesome, stupendous Nobel prize winning poetry - my talented friend - CONGRATULATIONS, Hugs and blessings Jennifer John Watt November 4, 2021 at 11:22 PM You are much too kind, dear Jennifer. But I am always so grateful for our poetry friendship. Your kindness and your empathetic heart bless me over and over, we are kindred spirits in the way we view the world and express those views in our poetry. Blessings and hugs ~ John

Sam Kauffman November 2, 2021 at 1:42 PM How did I miss this wonderful gem, John. I love the repetitive refrain always looking with hope to the blessings of the next season and its glories. Hope really should be your middle name for you always write with expectant hope and anticipation my friend giving me new perspectives. So happy you are writing again. I have missed your gems. Congratulations on your POTW! John Watt November 4, 2021 at 11:20 PM Thank you ever so much dear friend for the unending uplift of your comments. Such blessings your words are to me, whether in poetry or correspondence. Thank you for focusing on the hope aspect, it is a theme I strive to include in my writings, as I know you do as well. God bless you ~ John

L Milton Hankins November 2, 2021 at 12:17 PM John, so sorry I missed this wonderful poem earlier. So, I'm here to say congratulations on POTW now. Lovely writing! John Watt November 2, 2021 at 1:37 PM No worries, Milton, I'm so happy to see your comment here and appreciate your support so much. Thank you for all you do here at PS!

Beryl Edmonds November 2, 2021 at 9:03 AM Beautiful poetry John, there was a time I used to wish a season was gone, that was before the winter of mine and my husbands lives had begun. We’re finding the time goes so fast we try and make each moment of each season last. Congratulations on poem of the week, so well deserved… Belle John Watt November 2, 2021 at 1:40 PM Belle, indeed time does move quickly and enjoying the moment and not take anything for granted become higher priorities. The pleasant memories season the present, but the bad memories - learning to just let them go. Easier said than done! Thank you for the lovely comment and congrats, just knowing you are reading is a blessing to me ~ John

P.S. Awtry November 2, 2021 at 5:27 AM I enjoyed each line of this! I wondered how you would grow tired of spring, and the heavy rains are wearisome. Beautiful work. Congratulations on POTW! John Watt November 2, 2021 at 1:41 PM Thank you for enjoying this and for taking time out of your day to leave me such a heartwarming message and congrats ~ John

Eve Roper November 1, 2021 at 1:25 PM Hello John, I like the last stanza of prayer. Congratulations on POTW.. Hugs Eve John Watt November 2, 2021 at 1:42 PM Thank you dear Eve, it always does my heart good to see your lovely presence here at the Soup. Hope you are doing well, my friend. Hugs ~ John

Jan Allison November 1, 2021 at 5:03 AM many congrats on POTW John:-) hugs Jan xx John Watt November 2, 2021 at 10:19 AM dear Jan, thank you for being the first commenter, and for coming back with your congrats. Your words always carry a lot of weight with me and mean so much. Hoping your week is going well ~ John

Jenna Logan November 1, 2021 at 2:43 AM It seems we always long for something we don't have at the moment. Human nature, I suppose, but what you ask for are things not out of greed, but nostalgic in desire. I'm sorry I missed this fine poem when you posted it. Congratulations on it having been chosen poem of the week! John Watt November 2, 2021 at 10:17 AM Thank you for your thoughtful read and encouraging congrats Jenna. I truly appreciate you and your poetic insights and kind words and congrats. God be with you this week ~ John

Malabika Ray Choudhury October 31, 2021 at 5:35 PM A huge congratulations on your POTW, John. This is such a great poem about your writing journey through the months and seasons. And the last stanza! The excellent finale I admired and adored! Amazing poetry, My Dear Friend. Wish some day I write like you! Best wishes ~ Mala John Watt November 2, 2021 at 10:15 AM Mala, I am always so touched by your encouraging comments and the depths to which you allow poetry to touch your soul. You are a soul sister to me, and your affirmation means so much. Thank you, dear friend, for your uplifting message. Warm regards to you ~ John

Brandy Nicole October 31, 2021 at 3:04 PM To hold your words close and feel each and every emotion, yes, I do. This sums it up for me. Oh my ! I completely agree. ***teach me to view the past with grace, the future with hope, the present with contentment*** It is amazing how things fall into place when this happens. In His time, of course. As the seasons change and moments rearrange, we reflect on life. This is beautiful in so many wonderful ways, touching my heart deeply. You should place these words in a frame. They belong there, for all to see. Congratulations John, on Poem of the Week. These words belong in my favorites as well. Because.. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy John Watt November 2, 2021 at 10:13 AM Brandy, your words always mean a great deal to me. You have supported my writing from the very beginning. Thank you for thinking this is beautiful, and for your fave and congrats. I appreciate you and your uplifting words. Thank you for taking time to tell me your thoughts. Blessings to you, sweet friend

Constance La France October 31, 2021 at 1:56 PM John, congratulations on the POEM OF THE WEEK honor with your wonderful poem ~ friendship and poetry _Constance John Watt November 1, 2021 at 8:41 PM Dear Friend, thank you for coming back to bless me with your congrats - it means a lot. Blessings ~ John

Vijay Pandit October 31, 2021 at 1:39 PM BIG congrats on POTW, John. Enjoyed the ode to all seasons. A beautiful write. John Watt November 1, 2021 at 8:39 PM Thank you very much Vijay, it's lovely to receive your kind congrats ~ John

Connie Marcum Wong October 31, 2021 at 1:14 PM Your poem is an amazing work of art, with your delightful alliteration, to capturing the feelings most of us have seasonally! Congratulations on your deserving POTW honor. This wonderful poem is certainly a Fave and I am keeping it to read again and again John. I loved it! Happy Halloween my friend! Blessings xxoo John Watt November 1, 2021 at 8:38 PM Thank you dear Connie for the fave and wonderful words of encouragement and kindness. Glad to hear you and your daughter are back home, hope you are well. Hugs ~ John

Regina Mcintosh October 31, 2021 at 12:56 PM Ahh... beautiful!!! Amazing poetry! I love it. God bless you my friend. Love, Gina John Watt November 1, 2021 at 10:52 AM Thank you for stopping by and leaving behind your thoughtfulness, dear Gina! God bless you this week ~ John

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