Pondering Late Autumn and the Coming Chill

The golden leaves have made their show
that always comes this time of year,
but now as limbs are looking bare,
an umber blanket covers ground.

I’ve seen the harvest moon on high
as farmers reap what they have sown
when spring was warm and rains were soft,
and life was young and full of hope.

I’ve felt the greet of crisp fall morn
as dog days finally disappeared,
and seen the flair of Aster’s bloom
that softly bath in autumn sun.

But now this late November chill
as winds are blowing from the north;
the skies have turned a shade of grey
that beckons bears to hibernate.

This changing season causes me 
to pause and ponder life itself;
‘tis said it’s but a metaphor 
for time of year and age of man.

Like golden leaves, these golden years
leave barren limbs and umber grounds;
the greying hair is like the skies
of late November’s dulling hue.

And as I ponder season’s change
my thoughts have turned inside myself
to moments past and current paths,
and mulling what my future holds.

I’m wondering if I will see
the coming of another spring, 
or will my being hibernate
eternally within its tomb.


October 16, 2020
Blank verse written in iambic tetrameter
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020


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Date: 10/20/2020 8:25:00 AM
Your words roll with the spirit, color, retrospection and reflection of fall. Beautifully written John!
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/21/2020 4:06:00 AM
Thank you so much, Lonna, I appreciate it. John
Date: 10/17/2020 8:11:00 PM
This is so moving, John --- as long as it doesn't move you 'underground!!' As I read, I thought what wonderful rhyme and flow, and then I realized it wasn't rhyme at all, but rather your masterful use of iambic tetrameter... I see now that it's a winner in a contest too: Richly deserved. Bravo, Gershon
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/18/2020 6:49:00 AM
Thanks, Gerson, I appreciate your thoughts and comments. I thought I would try something a little different in the piece using blank verse. For me iambic tetrameter is a very natural meter; it's like listening to song lyrics in four fourths time. Hope you have a great Sunday. John
Date: 10/17/2020 9:47:00 AM
A compelling read John: As we age we do see things in a different light. Let’s always hope for another spring or for now blue skies behind the golden leaves. Best, SuZ
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/17/2020 2:40:00 PM
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments, SuZ, I appreciate it.
Date: 10/17/2020 6:24:00 AM
Touching and thought-provoking John. Congratulations on the win! Linda
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/17/2020 2:40:00 PM
Thank you, Linda, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Date: 10/16/2020 5:43:00 PM
The way you see life, moments in it and the Seasons as they change and rearrange, is truly captivating to me. You will caress the beauty of Spring, my dear sweet friend. I will be here smiling along with you. :) Hugs, Brandy
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/16/2020 7:59:00 PM
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Brandy, the changing seasons seem to have a big affect on my psyche. Thank you for being here. Hugs.
Date: 10/16/2020 2:18:00 PM
Well written John. I wish for you the best and to enjoy next Spring too :)
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/16/2020 7:30:00 PM
Thank you, Heidi, I appreciate you and your thoughts. Hugs.
Date: 10/16/2020 12:46:00 PM
"...the flair of Astor's bloom..." and "to moments past and current paths," are my favorite phrases. Fantastic writing, John, and Spring will warm your heart and outlook once the snow melts.
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John Gondolf
Date: 10/16/2020 6:53:00 PM
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments, Jenna, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully by spring this virus will be behind us. Hugs.
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