Sunday, October 17, 2021

The Matron



The Matron

A flush not demure
but forthcoming
anticipates perhaps not youth
but no less adventure.

Spring and Summer
shyly, perhaps coyly,
wear sheer, billowing skirts,
laugh gloriously and foolishly,
the sound delightful,

but Autumn
cloaks herself in wool,
red cheeks, and experience.

Harvests gathered,
rewards reaped,
she sighs, shakes out apron,
loosens hair

for a moment a child,
carefree.  Just one spin
before auburn tresses once again
become silvered and gray,

eyes reflecting sky,
heart's abundance,
and oncoming clouds,

all without a hint of subterfuge.

by Margaret Bednar, November 9, 2018

This is for "Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Kerry Say's - How Does the Story End?"  It is important for this prompt to have a STRONG ending line.

14 comments:

Kerry O'Connor said...

I love your last line.. the autumnal mood and colour imbues the piece. You descriptions of nature are always a delight to read.

Anmol (HA) said...

Ah, the last line strikes so well after the build-up through this characterization and imagery — the seasonal atmosphere resounds in your words. I liked this bit in particular: "Just one spin/before auburn tresses once again/become silvered and gray..."

annell4 said...

I love this poem. Thank you for your comment on my post. You got exactly what I was trying to say.

brudberg said...

Autumn is such a wonderful metaphor of aging, and the strength lies in being the autumn (or the winter) not just in the likeness of season

Sanaa Rizvi said...

Such a stellar closing line, Margaret!❤️ Beautifully rendered.

tonispencer said...

A wonderful and strong closing line. One would not guess you were tired while reading this. The autumnal colors and hints are so nice. I like this a lot and feel it is one of your best.

Susie Clevenger said...

This is beautiful. Your description of Autumn is so joyful so inviting. It makes me think of all those leaves covering my yard as glitter on a dance floor.

purplepeninportland.com said...

'for a moment a child,
carefree. Just one spin
before auburn tresses once again
become silvered and gray,'

Love those lines. Your ending was decidedly strong. Great poem, Margaret.

colleen said...

Yes, just one more spin! Autumn is so much fun to write about and this is fun to read and feel.

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said...

I love all things autumnal, including that phase of my own life. Your take on it is beautiful, and suitably mellow.

Graham Lester said...

I think this one is just excellent. It is a natural metaphor but done in such a clever way that autumn and the aging matron blend together seamlessly.

Khaya Ronkainen said...

This is a beautiful way of looking at autumn and aging. That last word made me smile. :)

Rommy said...

Gorgeous personification of the season.

Jim said...

Autumn has many shades and wiles. I liked this very much, Margaret. At first I was thinking that you were writing for that beautiful golden leaves tree in your picture.
It was also nice seeing a bit of those old friends for a few lines from our OSI. I miss it still. Also had regrets for missing Kerry for a visit in her town. So we just walked around, it was a lovely place.
..