Notes About The Poem

Spare Change

The time for frost has not arrived, the morning sunlight’s dampened
by the chill of evening dew, the grass still grows though slowly now.

Within, chill copper pipes ping, once again breaking the silence of night.
The field mice come unwelcomed to their winter nests inside my walls.

Morning glories, mere days ago abundant now shiver in the shade.
Dropped seed must wait until the springtime’s sun to rise, to grow.

Clothes in closets all packed high, shelves to ceiling, must topple down.
Release the felted wool, the flannel bright, the knitted sweaters of Iona.

The pumpkins wait impatiently upon a field of green, crisped, vines.
Still connected to the prickling twine and fan like leaves, the blossoms fail.

And, I reflect within a picture perfect room, of what has been and what is.
The light of day’s a graying tone of mourning, whose length slowly fades away. 



First Published in Eunoia 4/6/14
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Warlov Avatar
November 3, 2019 at 12:32 AM
The juxtaposition and obverse actions of the morning glories and closet clothes suggests a replacement of their colors. Very nice.
Guzzi Avatar
November 3, 2019 at 7:11 AM
thank you Robert
Jennings Avatar
July 20, 2016 at 5:13 AM
thanks. I really enjoyed reading that.
Rigoler Avatar
January 31, 2016 at 4:44 PM
Wow! This is a beautiful picture of a New England autumn! Like Keith said, very atmospheric. Well done. And thank you for stopping to read me. Sorry for the delay in answering, I've been very busy editing early poems. BTW corn flakes are not a favorite breakfast cereal, I prefer hot oalmeal with honey and cinnamon. / W
Guzzi Avatar
January 31, 2016 at 5:40 PM
me too!
Thirtyseven Avatar
November 28, 2015 at 6:48 AM
And so they should have published this wonderful write. This piece of poetry, which you have imbued with it's own soul.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
November 25, 2015 at 3:01 PM
Richly descriptive and atmospheric... I was captured by every line. Each has it own distinctive meaning, and together they form a wonderful tapestry of the world at autumn time. Superb Debbie! Best wishes, Keith :) a 7
Dietrich Avatar
November 22, 2015 at 3:57 PM
Beautiful writing. Congrats for the magazine publication!
Canerdy Avatar
November 22, 2015 at 1:26 PM
Debbie, this is a beautifully-worded, moving poem. Talk about mice in the walls! At times I've thought I'd have to move out of my house. The little devils get in there and die. Janice
Anish Avatar
November 16, 2015 at 8:03 PM
Time - the great mystery. Pythagoras said "Time is the stream I go fishing in". Bittersweet work here. Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Wigley Avatar
November 13, 2015 at 12:44 AM
Lovely wistful piece, Debbie, and very atmospheric. Viv x
Roper Avatar
November 9, 2015 at 8:45 AM
Enjoyed reading beautiful write. Hugs Eve
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace