Sweeping the Porch

Autumn comes, layered in dust
from summer winds
And a a drought parched earth

A path leading up to the porch is
not as welcoming as it was in May
Now overgrown with patches of thirsty devil grass
Brown and searching for a drink
While weaving it's tendrils between the slate

As I sweep the porch,
I spy a chipped terra-cotta pot, 
Still harboring a forlorn geranium, all legs...no blossoms,
Forgotten, discarded, and has shriveled away

Piled high now, a wheelbarrow,
With remnants of summer's bloom, now faded.
Sweeping webs of long-legged spiders,
Which have encased a glistening tapestry around the pillars
Those spindly creatures, swiftly flee my wrath
As I fulfill my need to renew, and refreshen
Restore an old porch some dignity.

The porch swing is swaying after a dusting.
A new pillow, and a basket filled with gourds take a slow ride.
A grapevine autumn wreath is hung on the front door.
I shine a window that faces the mountains
And a new pot of bright orange mums
Now proudly sits by the door to warm and welcome.
While I have erased the traces of a dusty, tattered season...
My heart and home are now ready to embrace the rust and gold of autumn's 
arrival...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Lopez Avatar
October 5, 2009 at 6:34 PM
every season is a reason to clean and change the decor.....nice write C. Richards
Culverhouse Avatar
October 4, 2009 at 10:23 AM
I love it!! hot one indeed!
Devonshire Avatar
October 3, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Awesome imagery, Carrie!! We all see the dust, dying plants and cobwebs as we sweep out porches and storage spaces, but you provide a perspective on the course of nature as well as life itself in this great write. Excellent! Love, Carolyn
La France Avatar
September 28, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I love this porch.. I can see it in my mind..... sounds inviting and lovely..Constance
Curcio Avatar
September 28, 2009 at 9:51 AM
What a lovely, descriptive poem - I could see it all as you described it. I love the image of the geranium.
Austin Avatar
September 28, 2009 at 7:26 AM
Congrats on your selection in the soup contest. Love, daver
Sheart Avatar
September 28, 2009 at 5:50 AM
Love being on the porch with you Carrie! Love this time of year, frost soon will be on the pumkin and getting ready for winter is full of anticipation of holidays etc. Beautifully written! Love this seasonal poetry...Have a great week! Take care Love Light Truth Patricia
Strand Avatar
September 27, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Has that fading September feel Carrie.Nice one.Rgds Brian & thanks for your kind words
Goff Avatar
September 27, 2009 at 4:36 PM
what a great 'changing-season' poem you have penned!....for the first time, I have to go close the window next to my computer table here! the crisp wind is a blowin! you are right-on with this timely write!...jim
Dvorkis Avatar
September 27, 2009 at 12:33 PM
very cleansing read, can really see the cob webs and spiders and I almost want to join in and sweep all the filth away, but then I'm a neat freak when it comes to this kind of stuff. enjoy your new house Carrie, even if you've lived in it for so long it still seems new now.
Kendrick Avatar
September 27, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Nicely done. Sounds like you faced the day with enthusiasum and energy. Keep writing. Sara
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
September 27, 2009 at 8:33 AM
Carrie, I really enjoyed reading this beautiful poem about the changing season. You swept autumn quickly into its rightful September place, Autumn. Thanks for sharing, Dane
Chircop Avatar
September 27, 2009 at 7:52 AM
excellent write oncemore--Charma
Mason Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Oh, I want to move in ... LOL ... what a beautiful picture you have painted here, Carrie! Just an awesome write here !!
Freeman Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Quite vivid, write Carrie. But you forgot the tree frog sitting above the screen front door, Chuckle, God Bless Sincerely Moses
Mckenzie Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Carrie~AH so beautiful I could see everything you were talking about as if I were right there with you! Such a lovely way with your words Love Laura :)
Moreno Avatar
September 26, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Astounding work, the first stanza was nice...Raul
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