the elaborate ritual

not easy throwing a pity party you know

scraping together memories

to create a patchy paint by number scene

of long ago dreams

but now the winds have turned nasty

and the sky is cloudy

              with a 50% chance of melancholy

sensing distant thunder rumbling

                   the stoic scarecrow has abandoned

                                 the once golden field

in the heat of a mid october day

the elaborate ritual of a pity party

begins to calligraphy itself in the margins

of my more than middle aged life

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... the margins of our more than middle aged life are trimmed with leftover summer flowers gracing the embers of autumn leaves... It is a pity that winter comes with snow and getting old... but I am thankful for the promise of spring with visions untold. Amen truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

WOW, Pat, you went back four years to find this one. Thank you. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... I did not search for your older posted poem... It simply appeared on the right side of WC's page as recommended for reading along with a few other WC older poems to read. As ever, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Well, whatever the case, I was pleased you read and reviewed it! :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Such a sad refrain, tinged with a vibrant spirit wanting to still be vibrant. Pathos in abundance Lydi!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, John. When an older poem gets attention, I am so pleased. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

how we miss spring and summer and fall and (for me) dread the coming winter :} but it is why we moved farther South :))) funny how time slots roll around and remind us of those difficult events in our lives ...no matter how much time has elapsed ... without even trying ... its like oh yeah! "it" happened in October didn't it :(((
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, E, that is why I enjoy living in South Florida. Not sure where you are. Every month holds certain memories. We can't forget them...nor do we want to. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

i'm in the Ozarks ... snow once or twice in the winter but melts before noon ;)

[Lydia Shutter]

The Ozarks....not all that far south. I am sure you still get weather that would be too cold for my old bones! :)

[Einstein Noodle]

yep...its not Florida for sure ... hugs Lydia!

[Lydia Shutter]

back at 'ya!

[Sami Khalil]

Gracefulaging and its effects in a wonderful poetic style in the golden fields of the past...A great one...:).............

[Lydia Shutter]

thanks, Sami. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

I'm . You too...Most welcome...:)...............

[Jack...]

"to create a patchy paint by number scene
of long ago dreams"

I loved this line Lydi. It is so descriptive as to how some memories come to us, in those little patches of color that when we gather them all together they paint a beautiful scene in our minds. We all get older, that is just what happens, but I think if we try we can all become younger at the same time.

Beautiful my friend, your thoughts flow like light through a prism.

[Lydia Shutter]

Not even sure I want to be younger....and go through all that "stuff" again! :) Thanks for the review, Jack. Lydi**

[Trace]

You write what I feel so often, it's like we have something in common my friend. Very nice. Trace

[Lydia Shutter]

That's why we are friends....we have a lot in common. Thanks, Trace. lydi**

[Mark Heathcote]

This melancholic poem is fab, so many good lines a much enjoyed read.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks again, Mark. Lydi**

[Tom]

As we grow older I believe our memories become even more precious, although I appreciate some may seem uncomfortable as life's experiences increase our wisdom !

Reflective & philosophical in a pleasing, poetic fashion !

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you once again, my friend. Lydi**

[DIVYA]

You have captured aging so beautifully, the depression, the dejection and self-pity and melancholia. Excellent imagery drives home the point in totality and we are left wondering why it isn't like it used to be ages ago. Thank you for sharing this great poem, Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, everything changes. Thank you very much, Divya. Lydi**

[SyberRose]

As long as we remember the memories consider ourselves lucky...Enjoyed Lydi as always...:)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Rose. Always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**