Measures

October blows a symphony of sighs 
with blustry gusts that presage winter's bleak 
arrival as I shuffle through the park, 
kaleidoscope of leaves a welcome prize. 
Swings unswung on, roundabouts without 
the rush of children stutter to a halt. 
October blood suffuses to the hilt 
my heavy heart, and calms a soul in doubt. 

Images, bright images that have no 
need of language, the pictures tell the tale, 
a gang of schoolboys, picnic-packed, hale 
and hearty, hoping for a hint of snow, 
their teacher, raven-black, with no command. 
Oaks stand guard, ramrod-straight like sentries, 
rhododendrons, strong and sprawling bushes, 
a place to smoke illicit contraband! 

The dial at sunlight's pleasure points to time, 
the weather vane makes plain the wind's direction, 
no need of clock or any vain contraption 
to guage the day, its reason or its rhyme. 
The stillness of the morning and the day-glow, 
and meadow grasses blessing me with softness, 
the rippled waters thrilling me with sweetness, 
what other measures do I need to know? 

October blows a symphony of sighs, 
of spells and incantations for the wise, 
who, weather-worn and beaten, seek the skies 
or haunt the woodlands for a siren's eyes; 
for nature is the most compelling teacher, 
companion to my father and my mother, 
she cavils, then is kind, just like a brother, 
and binds our earthly tapestry together.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 2:26 PM
This has a lot of thought put into it, Kieth. a very well crafted poem. In a few parts I was wondering if you were using symbolism perhaps, such as in the stanza of the raven black teacher? well, for sure, the oak was personified, but was the teacher meant to be something else? excellent imagery!
Duncan Avatar
December 29, 2012 at 10:18 PM
This is "awesome" Keith ;} all the way through. Love it. Thank you for reading "KHAN" it's the same person as the From Him poem ;} New Year blessings to ya ;}
Trifiatis Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 4:25 AM
Beautifully written! I lived the whole image through. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Kendrick Avatar
December 17, 2012 at 4:36 PM
Very expressive and descriptive ...Enjoyed reading this eve..Sara
Bauer Avatar
December 13, 2012 at 4:46 PM
keith - there is so much beauty in this poem i don't know where to begin. i love the "Swings unswung on" and the "roundabouts"...that "stutter to a halt" (brilliant!), but i'm especially drawn to the rhyme in the final verse - just gorgeous!
Sivey Avatar
December 13, 2012 at 10:35 AM
Amazing, simply a tremendous write my friend! I truly loved reading this wondrous and delightful poem this afternoon! What a powerful and ingenious piece this one is Kieth, Great Work!!
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