AUTUMN REFLECTIONS

This is based on the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastics. "A Time for all Seasons"

Autumn's frosty frigid breath blows across brown fields

The melancholy month bids its fine flowers adieu;

These chilling nights bring much clearer skies---

When Summer leaves drop we see more of sky blue.

The blessed Harvest season can never seem desolate

Ah yes, there are always compensations fresh and new;

So be Hopeful, O tried and sin-soaked soul--

When leaves are gone, we see more of sky-blue.

Look always up to the unfathomable Father's kind eyes

Even though the branches of life lie bare in view;

This somberness when all seems bleak gives new perspective

When Summer leaves are gone, we see more of the blue.

God's forest trees still will glow with scarlet and gold

He still knows, He treasures, and forever remembers you;

So worry not, He shall cheer you with His merry mercies

When all leaves are gone, we see more of His Blue.

2013 by DRR

Member Academy of American Poets

Author's Note

A painted Havest
Dappled with golds and scarlet reds
Wild geese flying up to give God thanks

Reviews

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Doug,

I enjoyed your faith based work..It was a refreshing work..It has great flow, rhyme, and rhythm to it..I am glad that I chose it to read this afternoon..Thanks for the kind review of my work..My work "The Heart Of The Sea" was written for a contest from a picture..I live about 3 1/2 from the shore which I do enjoy seeing from time to time..

Sara

[poetdoug]

Thank you for your kind review. You are blessed to live by the shore. We go as often as we are able. Thanks again.

[Sunflower/Sara Kendrick]

Doug,

You are quite welcome.

Sara

[Leyla Hess]

I read this (and some of the preceding commentary) and cannot but wonder if you relate the concept of clarity to asceticism, by which I mean to say a detachment from the aesthetic/empirical/experiential? If I am to read chilling and freezing as antonymic of flow and process--what is to say, the natural order of things, it certainly seems so. The same could be said of the denuding of trees. And, if that is the case, I must ask how you are defining clarity?

[poetdoug]

Webster's defines clarity as 'being clear'. I subscribe to this thesis. Thanks for your review.

[Leyla Hess]

If the contrary weren't so obvious, that kind of pragmatism might convince me you were an atheist. I joke. I must make understood that I don't mean to insult with my previous comment; rather, I am legitimately interested in how your writing works on a deeper level. I assume most questions work this way.

[poetdoug]

The take away effect is up to the reader of the poem is my experience. Thanks

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

I'm happy that this is inspired from the Bible. I love the repetitions at the end of every stanza, it gives emphasis and power to this poem. Good alliteration in "sin-soaked soul". Well-written!

[poetdoug]

Thanks Blue, I love the Psalms and Proverbs too

[Coyote Poetry]

Beautiful photo and amazing poetry. I like the fall. The change of color allowed the all of us to celebrate the change in seasons. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha Doug this left me feeling blue!
Although I find religion difficult to relate to on a personal level I do understand its value which you have captured in the bringing together of nature and belief in creation.

[poetdoug]

The blue you refer to is sad because you think of it as depression. The blue the poem refers to is the 'Sky Blue" clarity and direction that God gives us when we pray. Thanks for reading.

[Sami Khalil]

You faith always shine splendidly with your natural poems. Thanks to God in all things is a great attitude and appreciation...Bravo

[poetdoug]

Thank you Sami. You always know just what to say.Blessings to you my friend.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)