Get Your Premium Membership

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

Copyright © | Year Posted 2020




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 12/3/2020 4:17:00 AM
Peeking back to congratulate you, Michelle: Autumn has fled here. Now the winter poems begin. Best, SuZ
Login to Reply
Date: 10/24/2020 9:57:00 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.
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/25/2020 6:28:00 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!
Date: 10/23/2020 4:57:00 PM
This is wonderful, Michelle: Tomcats dress as Jaguars is brilliant. I love this time of year. Cheers, SuZ
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/25/2020 6:26:00 PM
Am glad you enjoyed it, thanks for stopping by~
Date: 10/22/2020 1:33:00 AM
A portrait of life, from your wonderful mind.
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/25/2020 6:25:00 PM
Thanks so kindly!
Date: 10/18/2020 5:15:00 PM
The autumn season is beautifully portrayed here, Michelle. Good luck on the contest. :)
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/19/2020 8:26:00 AM
That is so kind of you, thank you!
Date: 10/17/2020 5:59:00 PM
So many memorable images here, Michelle. Here's to a win in the contest. Happy Autumn, Gershon
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:50:00 PM
Hope your fall is warm and cozy! Thanks, gw!
Date: 10/17/2020 5:49:00 PM
I too think the warmth of family comes first dear friend, a beautiful quintain, winning wishes dear heart.
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:50:00 PM
There is so much beauty to the fall, especially sharing the holidays with loved ones, thanks for commenting!
Date: 10/17/2020 12:40:00 PM
Perhaps because it is the season for chestnuts I misread your title as "Marron", but you did not disappoint! Well done! Aloha! Rico
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:49:00 PM
I guess Hawaii probably doesn't see a lot of fall, thanks, Rico~
Date: 10/16/2020 9:08:00 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!!
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:48:00 PM
Your comment made me smile, I am so thrilled you enjoyed it, thank you for leaving such a warm hearted comment :)
Date: 10/16/2020 4:32:00 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
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:47:00 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!
Date: 10/16/2020 2:45:00 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
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:44:00 PM
I am so glad to know that, thank you kindly, Regina~
Date: 10/16/2020 2:41:00 PM
oh wow Michelle your imagery is amazing i especially love the 2nd stanza:-) hugs Jan xx
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:43:00 PM
I had a lot of fun with that one! Thanks for stopping by :)
Date: 10/16/2020 2:02:00 PM
Beautiful poem Michelle with great lines :)
Login to Reply
Faulkner Avatar
Michelle Faulkner
Date: 10/18/2020 4:43:00 PM
Much appreciated, thank you, Heidi.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things