Michelle Faulkner Poet Quintain (English)

Maroon Afternoons

Before iron winter commands the land
The brown ground sparks a bittersweet blaze
Bonfire breezes cross in smoky strands
Where nut stashing squirrels pause to gaze
On museums of leafy orange haze

Maroon afternoons of apple's sharp bite
Foretells the night tomcats dress as jaguars
Tricking candies for ghoulish appetites
For sweet treats, they knock on doors near and far
As spells of cuteness fill their cookie jars

Even when the morning sun flees the east
And the rains arrive, secluded and dank
We prepare to share the harvest feast
For the coming spring, behind the cloud banks
For the warmth of family ~ I give thanks.

10/16/20

For 'Autumn' poetry contest
Sponsor: Francine Roberts

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Suzanne Delaney December 3, 2020 at 4:17 AM Peeking back to congratulate you, Michelle: Autumn has fled here. Now the winter poems begin. Best, SuZ

John Watt October 24, 2020 at 9:57 PM Lovely depictions of nature's flow into the autumn months, then halloween so creatively described (love the tomcat/jaguar line), then your beautiful ending line. Great poem, this should do very well. Michelle Faulkner October 25, 2020 at 6:28 PM That line came to me when my own kitty was playing with catnip, and I thought she'd like to be a tiger for Halloween (but jaguar fit better with the rhymes) Always so glad for your input, my friend!

Suzanne Delaney October 23, 2020 at 4:57 PM This is wonderful, Michelle: Tomcats dress as Jaguars is brilliant. I love this time of year. Cheers, SuZ Michelle Faulkner October 25, 2020 at 6:26 PM Am glad you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by~

Harry Horsman October 22, 2020 at 1:33 AM A portrait of life, from your wonderful mind. Michelle Faulkner October 25, 2020 at 6:25 PM Thanks so kindly!

Angela Crabtree October 18, 2020 at 5:15 PM The autumn season is beautifully portrayed here, Michelle. Good luck on the contest. :) Michelle Faulkner October 19, 2020 at 8:26 AM That is so kind of you, thank you!

Gershon Wolf October 17, 2020 at 5:59 PM So many memorable images here, Michelle. Here's to a win in the contest. Happy Autumn, Gershon Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:50 PM Hope your fall is warm and cozy! Thanks, gw!

Mystic Rose Rose October 17, 2020 at 5:49 PM I too think the warmth of family comes first dear friend, a beautiful quintain, winning wishes dear heart. Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:50 PM There is so much beauty to the fall, especially sharing the holidays with loved ones, thanks for commenting!

Rico Leffanta October 17, 2020 at 12:40 PM Perhaps because it is the season for chestnuts I misread your title as "Marron", but you did not disappoint! Well done! Aloha! Rico Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:49 PM I guess Hawaii probably doesn't see a lot of fall, thanks, Rico~

Sigrid Ermine October 16, 2020 at 9:08 PM Michelle, I'm so in love with your Autumn Halloween poem. Good, incredible all the way through. Rubbed by the dimness, ominous, cosy season. 'Apple sharp bite', tomcats dress as jaguars, so so rich!! Rhyme scheme is excellent. A top top poem, a definite Top Winner!! Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:48 PM Your comment made me smile, I am so thrilled you enjoyed it, thank you for leaving such a warm hearted comment :)

Carolyn Devonshire October 16, 2020 at 4:32 PM Your beautiful poem actually brought tears to my eyes, Michelle. Florida has no change of seasons, but I was raised in NJ so I know what I'm missing. Apple picking at Delicious Orchards was so much fun. This is a new fave for me, Michelle. It's rare that a poem makes me weep. Hugs, Carolyn Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:47 PM I have the opposite experience; I grew up in Southern California but now live in Oregon, (and I prefer the seasons, even the gray rainy winters) I am so moved by your comment, and am honored that it brought such a beautiful response from you - hugs back!

Regina Mcintosh October 16, 2020 at 2:45 PM Your words soothe and comfort the soul into a serene and joyful place where inspiration comes easily. I so love your words. They smile upon us all. God bless you Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:44 PM I am so glad to know that, thank you kindly, Regina~

Jan Allison October 16, 2020 at 2:41 PM oh wow Michelle your imagery is amazing i especially love the 2nd stanza:-) hugs Jan xx Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:43 PM I had a lot of fun with that one! Thanks for stopping by :)

Heidi Sands October 16, 2020 at 2:02 PM Beautiful poem Michelle with great lines :) Michelle Faulkner October 18, 2020 at 4:43 PM Much appreciated, thank you, Heidi.