"Preparations"

"Preparations"

Caramel drizzled apples, wood stacked,
bonfire ready.  Evening's still too humid,

yet a leaf spirals down, crimson tipped -
heralds, "Soon.  Soon".

I fickly proclaim Autumn "my favorite",
weary of sun-filled,  heat-drenched days.

Beneath my kitchen window
the fawn's still speckled, buck's antlers fuzzy.

Just a pane of glass divides
sweet green grass and apple pie.

by Margaret Bednar, September 7, 2014

Fall is around the corner (September 22) and I am ready - the pool has lost its charm and I can't wait to hear the sound of crinkled leaves beneath my feet.

This is for "Imaginary Garden of Real Toads - Flash Fiction 55.  (or non-fiction - prose, poetry - but it must be 55 words - no more, no less)   For my way of counting, hyphenated words count as one :)

"Gratitude"

"Gratitude"

Grandness often seems far beyond my reach,
often overlook simplicity, plainness
as frugal providence.

I'm guilty of shallow breathing, of peripheral vision
instead of clear eyed perseverance.

A steady, four-mile mountain trail up, up, up… I tread slowly,
pause, wipe sweaty brow, battle fatigue, defeat;

inhale deeply soul-invigorating Virginia air,
notice nature's unpretentious ornamentals -
their unique patterns, bursting colors.

You forge ahead, undaunted conquerer,
but come back.  Offer water, encouragement.

Reward this day will not be the noble, majestic view
but the struggle of achievement and appreciation
of your steadfast soul which helps me along the way.

Margaret Bednar, September 4, 2014

 

This if for "dVerse - Meeting The Bar - a nod to Rilke"

McAfee's Knob, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia - (I think I saw your house, Brian:)