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.

I am also sharing this with "Poets and Storytellers United - Writers' Pantry # 92". 

Soaring

Soaring

It's the breeze brushing my cheeks
that carries the silken milkweed,
pods finally bursting,

escaping

above wind-tickled grasses
and cattails welcoming us
along pond's edge

trusting

my black stockinged buckskin
will join the spirit of the moment,
tail and mane flowing,

searching

galloping beneath me: my wings,
releasing me for a moment;
a ribbon unwound,

fluttering

absorbing autumn's tranquility,
understanding the stubborn oaks
who refuse to release their colors

celebrating

another season; holding fast
to the lightness I felt as a child
upon my soaring Pegasus.

by Margaret Bednar, October 16, 2019

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads - Music with Marian - Prairie in the Sky".