The Color of October

it's October
the air around her is cool
like her thoughts these days
she looks at the branches, twisted
much like her mind
they are reaching upward
but she is grounded
forever in time
 
she heard the clatter of branches
smacking against walls
and the crash of metal
screeching brakes
screams of pain
and then nothing
but silence falls
 
she  runs to the window
sees the audience
stare at her
then through her
riches to rags
gold to nothing
her fame is gone
 
the trees below are turning
from gold to red
the leaves tossed about
in a slight wind
they spin
so graceful as in dance
a slow spiral down
and she longs to join in
 
she reaches towards them
tastes the cool air
as she falls down
grounded with the leaves
 
the pavement turns red
as silence falls
in October's air
 
 
 
 

The suicide of Dorothy Hale
October 21, 1938
(painting by Frida Kahlo)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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

Theraven Avatar
September 16, 2019 at 12:26 AM
Sandra, Wow. What a storied poem and based on real events. I can feel the cool air..laced with your tale of intrigue and romance lost. Too sad the life cut short. RIP Dorothy Hale -Richard
Adams Avatar
September 16, 2019 at 5:23 AM
Thank you! I had to go back and read this after seeing your comment. Wrote so long ago I forgot about this poem ... thanks for the visit and kind comment :) hugs
Harper Avatar
November 7, 2013 at 11:10 PM
Wonderful sense of autumn and feeling in this lovely poem, Sandra, congratulations on your win
Adams Avatar
November 9, 2013 at 7:56 AM
Thank you so much :) sorry it took so long to respond...am not feeling well and it was a long work week!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 7, 2013 at 8:20 PM
As always you impress and move me with your words, congrats.
Adams Avatar
November 9, 2013 at 7:57 AM
Thank you so much Richard :)sorry it took so long to respond...am not feeling well and it was a long work week!
A  Avatar
November 7, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Sandra, , brilliant imagery... nice win * HUGS & LOVE <3 ~SKAT~
Adams Avatar
November 9, 2013 at 7:57 AM
Thank you Skat.....hugs :)
Deschler Avatar
September 26, 2013 at 1:28 PM
This poem is hauntingly beautiful, Sandra! I love the descriptiveness and all of the hidden metaphors. You are truly a gifted writer. Amazing work!...Thank you once again for the kind comments!
Adams Avatar
November 9, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Thank you Kelly :) sorry it took so long to respond...am not feeling well and it was a long work week!
Anglesey Avatar
August 20, 2013 at 6:34 PM
This is amazing... you have a great gift and thank you for sharing. Superb write :)
Adams Avatar
August 21, 2013 at 9:14 AM
aww Thank you for your sweet comment Karen.... hope you have a great day! Hugs :)
Mckenzie Avatar
August 20, 2013 at 12:57 PM
Wow this is very intense and deep I enjoyed your poetry If this is for a contest I hope you do well! Kindly Laura :)
Adams Avatar
August 20, 2013 at 3:33 PM
thank you so much for your kind comment Laura and it is for a contest so double thank you :)
Sanders Avatar
August 20, 2013 at 5:16 AM
Wow!!!!!!! You killed it excuse the expression considering what your talking about what I mean is thank you for writing this and then sharing it with me I mean with us hahahaha. Excellent poem poet.
Adams Avatar
August 20, 2013 at 3:34 PM
wow,,,thanks for the awesome comment Sean, it was a fun write!
Jennings Avatar
August 19, 2013 at 6:10 PM
wow this is powerful, the imagery leads up to double meanings and ties it all together. Very concise.
Adams Avatar
August 19, 2013 at 6:28 PM
thank you for your kind reply!
Andresen Avatar
August 19, 2013 at 12:44 PM
- Drama in beautiful autumn colors, well done Sandra. - Thanks for the nice visit on my last poem: "Heaven or Hell" - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Adams Avatar
August 19, 2013 at 1:58 PM
thank you so much...is for the painting contest...most the paintings are self portraits of the artist... this one jumped out at me not only because what she painted but the day of the suicide just so happened to be my birthday...
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