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Notes About The Poem

Stillness in November

Daniel Henry Rodgers

 

"in the hidden quiet recesses of autumn late... the sky, the earth, a bird stills as the days fade, retire.  A reflection within my timeless journey, for I, just a fading memory, a pulse, a promise, waiting beneath the frost to once more awaken." – Daniel Henry Rodgers

 

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Stillness in November

Over harvested fields —

I walk beneath the fading afterglow
of a forgotten lantern   a path worn
by wanderers older than the scroll of Zeno
its damp salve seeping through my coat
into my bones

Fog an Erebian curtain   a Stygian veil
barn swallows following
susurrus secrets of the soul   each step
a slow exhalation   a farewell elucidating

Underfoot vestiges of ancient parchment
leaves crumble   not in death but in their
final kindred confession

Over fields of harvested rye —

I press my ear to the earth   can you hear them
the murmur of stories only the soil enshrines
an unburdening before winter grip tightens

My breath lingers in the thickening air
and in its wake fields stretch bare and endless—
not a linen but a wound   its harvest reaped
flesh raw under Uranus' cold gaze

Sombras stretch long across the land
blemishes from battles lost and forgotten
Through tattered spectacles fogged and cracked
with age   I trace shadows—each one an antiphon
of memory faint   echoes of myth and mortal
lives long passed   like the dust of letters
or the smell of a forgotten fire

Over fields of harvested wheat —

A mouse darts through frost-drenched meadows
its tiny body trembling against winter's
creeping scepter   and I feel it too —
the bite of time gnawing at my essence
It feasts on my hidden fear   days I dare not count
the slow pull of gravity on my crow's feet and lines

Life teeters on a filament spun from brittle mist
my heart my pulse my throb but a steady drum
amidst the quietude of past reveries

I question in this stillness
as my heart beats to the rhythm of an ending
I can't outpace

I draw the curtains on the day's tumult
the shepherd's call dwindles
dissolving like the last breath of a song
its pages frayed and trembling broken
an unfinished nocturne

The seasons turn and with each breath
the soil promises a new birth

Over fields of harvested barley…

Nature cloaks itself in tranquil silence
within this calm psalm I sense a flicker
a palpitation as old as stars   a quiet hymn of the ancients
where creation like the dawn waits to unfurl its wings

Not hope not yet—
but a pulsating promise coursing in my veins
a gentle warmth rises from the earth's cool touch
stirring softly   as she   coming life a rebirth
beneath her frozen skin

It filters through fissures of my being
not as embers but as roots entwined like fate
rusted iron veins coursing through weary bones—
the phantom of a forest petrified turned to stone
still thrumming with life in its ancient core

Over fields of harvested oats...

November's Boreas' breath kisses
    a lacerating caress 
        lashes 
            against my lips
its chill 
    a nipping sting from hidden gadflies
I lean 
    into the bitter bite
letting its 
    icy nail carving my flesh 
etching lines 
    of hard-earned wisdom—
stirring   awakening   a muted comprehension within

In the somber solemn death of this season 
I discover a surge—my own— 
melding into the rhythm of things decaying 
reborn with each breath I draw

Over fields of harvested corn...

I walk through November's quietude 
unafraid of encroaching dark 
but welcoming the bite of cold it brings 

In this chill where slumbering earth lies still 
there is beauty not in life's fleeting frantic dance 
but in that heavy stillness that follows 

In this season's fading breath 
I uncover my tender truth: 
what falls does not perish or simply fade away— 
it lingers reshaped in quiet waiting for release

Over fields of harvested hay...

And as I stand wrapped in November's shadow 
I let it press against and into me— 
not as an ending 
but as a soft feathery bold beginning

For in the tranquil quiet of this night 
I am not Prometheus' spent ember 
but Hephaestus' hidden ore buried deep 
beneath Khione's frost— 
a vein carrying Sylvan secrets of ancient earth 
unyielding and alive 
raw with desire 
awaiting yes praying for the thaw

for a harvest still in unseen glory 
             among fields of quiet promise......

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Beryl Edmonds Date: 11/21/2024 8:10:00 PM Dear Daniel I enjoyed your magnificent write, reading this it felt alike I was walking those fields too… Poet pal Bel Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/24/2024 6:51:00 PM Dear Bel, I still walk through fields unfortunately we no longer have our farm. Thank you for your wonderful note. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paul Bell Date: 11/18/2024 8:56:00 AM First day of the year, scraping the car. The garden has been put to sleep, and I'm longing for some sunshine. I can see why bears hibernate now.Off to catch salmon now to stock up for winter. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/24/2024 6:48:00 PM Hello Paul, LOL! I fully understand why bears hibernate. We use to do a lot of canning and had our winter supply of fruits and veggies. We also had a smoke house for our winter supply of meat. Hunting and fishing were also on the docket. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sara Kendrick Date: 11/18/2024 4:01:00 AM This year was rough on our garden, but we did not or do not plant any large cash crops only food for us to eat and excess to share with others that want something fresh farm grown. It is good that you have seen so much harvesting going on. I hope what you have harvested in the spirit from seeing the beauty was wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Sara K Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/24/2024 6:45:00 PM Dear Sara, thank you for your inspiring note. Growing up on a farm we had many a harvest including three gardens that I had to weed. Nonetheless everything was fresh and organic. Now it is more about spiritual harvest for God put me into the counseling field which is my ministry. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Phyllis Babcock Date: 11/16/2024 8:38:00 AM Wish I would have paid more attention to mythology. As a farm girl from a farming community your picture and words take me back to farming days. Well written with deep descriptive words. love phyl Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/17/2024 3:02:00 PM Dear Phyl, your lovely comments truly warmed my heart! I’m thrilled that my poem took you back to your farming days. Your appreciation for the imagery means so much to me. Thank you for your kind words; they inspire me. Much love! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paige Hind Date: 11/15/2024 7:46:00 PM This had so many deep metaphors and such profoundness of thought. You remind me of the transcendentalist writer...Emerson? Not sure...but your work is has a transcendental tone to it, at least to me...I hope that doesn't offend. It's a compliment. I am a bit of a transcendentalist. "It filters through fissures of my being not as embers but as roots entwined like fate" what a thought, that I'll remember.. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/17/2024 3:00:00 PM Dear Paige, I’m honored that my poem reminded you of Emerson and the transcendentalist spirit. Your appreciation for the metaphors encourages me. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments; they inspire me to keep exploring the world. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich Date: 11/15/2024 8:29:00 AM This is such strong classy writing and arranged in a great cohesive way. I was sure I already commented but can't find it here, so maybe I never did!! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/17/2024 2:57:00 PM Dear Andrea, I am so appreciative for your kind words. It is always a great joy to see your comments. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Regina Elliott Date: 11/15/2024 3:07:00 AM Hi Daniel dear poetry friend, this magnificent poem speaks volumes of nature in autumn. A flawless and timeless work of art. Bravissimo! You are such a gift to the literary world. Keep on penning dear bard. Many blessings to you and your family. :))))) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/17/2024 2:55:00 PM Dear Regina, your beautiful note filled my heart with joy and knowing my poem touched you means the world to me. Your encouragement inspires me to keep writing. Thank you for your kind words and blessings; they uplift both my spirit and creativity. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Michael Tor Date: 11/14/2024 6:09:00 AM Daniel this creation of yours with the underlying aspects of Mythical influence tell a dual story of Autumns affects and memories the earth brings forward in this awesome Pastoral of creativity from you Sir. When reading this for some readers they wished they would have paid attention in Mythology class lol. I am truly amazed at the depth you go to share the current aspects as you take us through the Autumn days reflecting the lands Historic past. Wonderfully written on the highest level of Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/17/2024 2:53:00 PM Hello Michael, your thoughtful insights on my poem genuinely moved me. I’m grateful for your ability to uncover the mythical layers and historical reflections within my work. Your encouragement fuels my creativity and passion for writing. Thank you for always being such a supportive friend. Autumn Blessings MY Dear Friend, Daniel Michael Tor Date: 11/14/2024 6:11:00 AM reflection and duality. Your creative mind is clearly shown through your detailed words in this Marvelous Pastoral writing of yours. I appreciate all the effort and mental energy you put into this one Daniel. Very impressive as always my friend...

Sally Eslinger Date: 11/13/2024 8:58:00 AM Daniel. dear one, i’m glad to be here after many week gone…now to travel the harvested fields w/you! I am from s.e. PA, , some of the most beautiful gently rolling farlany anywhere nationwide. An old boyfriend’s fam had a farm there, so i’ve stood in the still, bleak harvested fields of dried, stabbing stalks. Your descriptive power w/its message, l’m fav-ing. Powerful! So good to see you again! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/14/2024 4:34:00 AM Dear Sally, It is so wonderful to have you back in the fold, and hopefully, you have had many journeys while gone. Those fields bring so much joy and certainly rewarding to the farmer who reaps the harvests every year. I look forward to reading your newest creations! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman Date: 11/12/2024 11:14:00 AM Dear Daniel, myth and reality conspire to create a halcyon "unseen glory" of "quiet promise," - the promise of life to awaken, and return, again after a season of "Khione's frost!" You have with eloquence touched on this universal theme of "hidden ore" ready "for the thaw." I love that you couch this theme in the arms of autumn - a perfect metaphor. You show us with poetic style rather than tell us! What a gift. Thank you for this magnificent poem. Sending you all blessings and joy! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/14/2024 4:31:00 AM Dear Sam, I am always filled with joy reading your comments. Thank you for that. Autumn is my favorite time of year and it is going much too fast. Nonetheless, I enjoy every minute of it. Thank you for looking beyond the words and seeing the depth. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Nette Onclaud Date: 11/10/2024 11:56:00 AM the intricate weaving of your personal impressions truly mark this astounding piece as mint, daniel...each mythical subplot dovetails with the next in a soulful way as if reflection were a pathway to your heart's story...incredibly pressed on my mind and in my soul! Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 5:02:00 AM Dear Nette, your keen understanding of the mythical layers and personal reflections in my poem deeply moves me. Your words inspire me to continue exploring the depths of poetic expression. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel.

Maria Williams Date: 11/9/2024 8:18:00 PM This is not just a story, or poem but a book Daniel. You have taken your audience on a panoramic and metaphorical journey touching many parts of nature. Not an easy piece to write I bet - thanks for sharing. Hugs Maria Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 5:00:00 AM Dear Maria, your heartfelt words mean the world to me. Knowing my poem evoked such emotion is incredibly rewarding. Thank you for your kindness and support. Your encouragement inspires me to keep writing. Hugs! Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya Date: 11/8/2024 3:19:00 PM I felt, I imagined everything with so much imagery you share, Daniel. References used to convey the impactful storytelling, Greek Mythology, Stygien "Fog an Erebian curtain a Stygian veil" Metaphors and of course alliteration. I always look forward to learning a new word or species. As always your unique style is glowing! Good friend ~Anaya Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 4:56:00 AM Dear Anaya, I always love your perceptive insights into my poems. It deeply touches me. Your appreciation for the nuanced layers, metaphors, and linguistic elements warms my heart. Your enthusiasm for my unique style inspires me to continue exploring the depths of poetic expression. Thank you, dear friend, for your unwavering encouragement and keen literary eye. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress Date: 11/8/2024 12:14:00 PM Dear daniel, as i read each part of this i felt so many emotions, and as always i heard the voice of an empath, so well delivered, especially as youv not just highlighted humanbeings, but of all those breathing and finding shelter as seasonal changes approach in such a way that keeps everyone on their toes! I love the way youv painted imagery throughout this and also the ending really stood out of me as i am one that enjoys reading a poem that is woven with mythology, and you did that in such a powerful and moving manner! What a sumptuous write with excellent metaphors and exquisite imagery! The stillness of november and all shades of season youve captured in such an eloquent manner and you do that always so well! This definitely is a new fave for me! Because of the brilliant diction, flow and everything that truly deserves another read or more! You are beyond gifted! Sending you light always~ Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 4:53:00 AM Dearest Empress, your words always touch my soul so deeply. Your keen insight into the layers of emotion and empathy in my poem is heartwarming and moving. Your support and understanding of my artistic craft inspire me to continue exploring the depths of poetic expression. Thank you, dear friend, for your radiant light and encouragement. Autumn Blessings, My Dearest Friend, Daniel

Joseph May Date: 11/8/2024 11:24:00 AM "The fading afterglow of one season drifts into the stillness of another, slumbering yet awhile, in fields of quiet promise" Well penned Daniel, Blessings Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 4:50:00 AM Hello Joe, Thank you for your kind and uplifting words. I am grateful for taking the time to read and comment. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar Date: 11/8/2024 9:11:00 AM Having read your poem and Susan's comment. I am at loss what to comment on your magnificent poem. You are truly the best poet on the soup. Login to Reply Victor Buhagiar Date: 11/11/2024 9:45:00 PM You did not like my last poem? Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 4:49:00 AM Dear Victor, I pray your weekend was great, and you are having a beautiful week. Thank you, my dear friend. I appreciate your comments. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Susan Ashley Date: 11/8/2024 8:04:00 AM Dear Daniel, poet extraordinaire, where do I begin to express my appreciation for your grand poetic artistry pulsing with heart and soul. Your rich, vibrant, poignant imagery emotes a timeless aura, yet has the feeling of time advancing, a reverence for the past, a sense of spirituality and inevitable mortality fills every nook and cranny of your sumptuous verse, a sensory feast! The metaphorical, soul-stirring depth and beauty is breathtaking! I'm held spellbound in this masterwork, in the "stillness in November". A fantastic fav!! Thank you for sharing your inspiring talent with the world. Warmest wishes, my esteemed poet friend.. ~Susan Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/11/2024 4:48:00 AM Dear Susan, Thank you for your words touched my heart deeply. Your insightful analysis and genuine appreciation of my poem's nuances are truly humbling. Your support and understanding of the layers within my work inspire me to continue exploring the depths of poetic expression. Thank you, dear friend. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 11/7/2024 8:15:00 PM This stirring poem is very insightful and serene, Daniel. I loved images like, 'And as I stand wrapped in November's shadow,' and 'the murmur of stories only the soil enshrines,' and so many others! Wonderful writing, my friend. :) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:42:00 AM Dear Evelyn, It was so wonderful seeing your words this morning. Thank you for kind and motivating words. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Valsa George Date: 11/7/2024 6:59:00 PM Wow.... ! So calming and lovely. I feel autumn's chill and quiet as I read your poem on this November morning when the air is especially chill after the night's rain. Again and again, may I repeat- you are so gifted and it's a blessing, you are here. The harvested stretch of fields invoke what splendid scenes and thoughts in you! "the bite of time gnawing at my essence It feasts on my hidden fear days I dare not count the slow pull of gravity on my crow's feet and lines"- As autumn days draw closer, we all feel the bite of time and it heightens our fears. But you come to the great realization- "In this season's fading breath I uncover my tender truth: what falls does not perish or simply fade away— it lingers reshaped in quiet waiting for release". With death, there's the hope of rebirth. I love all the sections especially the one titled Over the Fields of Harvested Corn. The message you give is one of hope and resilience. Into my FAVE. Sending you love and light. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:41:00 AM Ahhh, My Dear Valsa. You are one of the most gracious and insightful commentators, and it fills my heart to read your words. Thank you for coming and being part of this poem. Life on a farm is unique, challenging, and fulfilling, and unfortunately, most small farms have gone under. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough Date: 11/7/2024 6:32:00 PM I often have a longing for a farm, even though it wasnt my family's, but surrounding farms in the rural area where we lived. We knew immigrant Russian farmers who farmed nearby. They had old fashioned methods, but happy faces. It was nice to go back in time by reading your poem. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:39:00 AM Dear Hilda, I have so many memories of growing up on the farm and working for all my adult years on that farm. The Amish who live not too far from me continues to stick to the old ways of farming, which is an art in and of itself. Thanks for being a part of this poem. It is so uplifting. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

David Crandall Date: 11/7/2024 3:03:00 PM beautiful language, Daniel. Somehow, this made me think of harvests, cycling across centuries, on the same land. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:37:00 AM Good Morning, David, The farm where I grew up had been in the family for generations and was eventually sold off. It is a world where farmers have to listen to the earth to understand how to grow their crops. Thank you for your wonderful comments. Autumn Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 11/7/2024 9:52:00 AM I love the lines 'I press my ear to the earth can you hear them the murmur of stories only the soil enshrines'......... and your lines telling us of 'A reflection within my timeless journey for I, just a fading memory..........waiting beneath the frost to once more awaken' and finally ..... 'for a harvest still in unseen glory among fields of quiet promise'. I could only comment and express myself in your eloquent wording. Blessings my friend Daniel, for such a breathtaking write. Jennifer. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:35:00 AM Dear Jennifer, What heartfelt comments make my heart leap with joy? Thank you for visiting and for such gracious comments. Autumn Blessings, MY Dear Friend, Daniel

John Read Date: 11/7/2024 9:50:00 AM My oh my you certainly have a way with words Daniel, really enjoyed reading your marathon of a poem. Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:33:00 AM Hello John, Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments; they are very uplifting. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose Date: 11/7/2024 7:37:00 AM I press my ear to the earth, I can hear the symphonies you hear Daniel, you have a rare gift, :) Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:33:00 AM Dear Rose, Then we can listen to those symphonies together for the earth is an orchestra in of itself. Thank you for your amazing visits and sweet notes. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 11/7/2024 7:10:00 AM - An impressive November poem, Daniel - November is not at all the way you describe it in Norway - Autumn is very short ... the lovely colors disappear in a couple of weeks ... then everything becomes bare, wet and brown ... this November is very mild ... we have not had frost yet ... but, coming soon :) - hugs Login to Reply Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 11/8/2024 4:31:00 AM Dear Anne-Lise, I was very joyful to see your wonderful comments and I am ver appreciative. I am sure that in Norway you have some impressive weather. That is one of the countries on my bucket list to visit one day. Autumn Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

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