We’ve reached the end of our exercise. We’ve explored sights and smells and flavors of fall. The colors will soon fade. And we’ll be presented with definitive chill in the air. As we bask in the glow of completing this challenge, let us not forget this one last item to stoke our poetic fires. We will dress for the occasion and the upcoming glimpses of the winter ahead. Today we’ll close on the notion of clothes; Fall attire that will serve us well. Take your jacket and pack it back up until spring. We all know a sweater is better in such cases. Our faces will feel the cold and our hands will stiffen in its insistence. Choose an item of fall clothing and wrap yourself in it. We’ll huddle close to share its warmth and that of the wonderful chapbooks you will deliver.
And we should all be well prepared for the rigors of whatever writing challenge we’ll undertake in November, be it the Poetic Asides P.A.D. Chapbook Challenge that Robert Lee Brewer will offer, the annual NaNoWriMo which is very popular or any other challenge you may encounter. Write well, choose your best words and we’ll read them with enthusiasm and admiration.
MARIE’S FALL ENSEMBLE
What I wear in fall:
jeans, boots, sweaters, and mittens
and grins, ear-to-ear.
© Marie Elena Good, 2018
##
WALT’S WARDROBE:
FAIR TO PARTLY BLIZZARD CONDITIONS
Mere days away,
a coronation is planned
for autumn’s shortened reign.
The temperatures decline
finding their descent hell-bent
on a rapid departure to parts unknown.
The trees have grown fragile;
the color barrage itching to begin
and within her palette the earth is apparent
an inherent nod to the warmth
sought, but not always embraced,
and faced with the scent of must and moth-balls.
And in the sky, standing tall
the harbinger of winter woes (so it goes
around Buffalo) dark and moody, looming
upon the horizon, rising skyward.
Storms brewing, or memories
of days of storm-filled pasts recalled,
all seeded in the clouds for near future
reference. Your preference
is a temperate fall ending in spring.
But, here’s the thing:
the winds find their thrill in the chill
they provide. An equinox out of the box
stirring dreads of a White Christmas
long before the sleep of the solstice beckons.
Cumulonimbus is your reminder.
Better hasten to find your coat, scarf and gloves
before the snows reign from above.
Ominous and threatening; keep your guard up.
© Walter J Wojtanik, 2018
POETIC BLOOMINGS 
Responses
Marie and Walt, thanks for this mini-challenge, and your pieces sum it up well, the long and short of it.
This has been a ton of fun!
Marie and I promised each other we would try not to get too carried away with the revamp of PB. But, how could we deny ourselves the satisfaction we feel in our association with such extremely talented poets! Weve done PADs before, but this one seemed more productive and easy to manage. Thank you, Bill.
❤
Once again I will not be able to check in today, so I just want to say thanks to everybody for a great couple of weeks.
BUTTONING UP
Winter
calls for candles,
mittens, boots, hot toddies,
and, when frenzied snow flies, yellow
jackets.
Felt the hug of tightening layers, up William.
Absolutely! Brrrr!!
Umm… hot toddy’s. You’re a Poet’s poet, William!
William…could feel the warmth of the hot toddy. Haven’t had one in eons, but still remember that glow after the first swallow.
But not the insect kind!
Marie and Walt…thank you so much for this awesome challenge. I have enjoyed every stanza of it. Loved reading everyone’s poems, as well, even when I couldn’t comment. Know this fellow poets…you are all wonderful writers with so much to share with the world. Keep shining bright! Thank you for thoughts and for the kind words you gave in support. Stay warm! Blessings.
Thank you, Linda! So glad you are here with us!
I too am happy you could join us, Linda. You e added so much to the enjoyment these past two weeks.
Cimmerian Forecast
This hour is too early for the garish sun,
which lies warm and snug down behind its mountain quilt
colored now in shades of gold, burnt orange and deep maroon.
Waking, I shiver to see stars still lighting the way,
tiny beacons of hope in the gloom of autumns final days.
Winter wears a chilly wrap embellished with sparkling crystals
that belie their deadly freeze, so be forewarned.
From the chest labeled “hope,” I draw out warmth in forms
to fit this frame turned chilled and arthritic.
Once a fan of snow bunny attire, I now opt for serviceable wear –
soft, layered, sometimes stylish – still – but more importantly
able to keep “chill, stupor, and letting go” at bay.
Thanks to Miss Emily Dickinson for the inspiration of the last line!
Well used line and inspiration, Linda. Great finish .
You described and appreciated so well these brighter stars in clearer air, the cold brisk of morning thoughts. Lovely, Linda.
soft and layered – perfect for fighting “chill, stupor, and letting go”
Oh, Linda … beautiful writing, this. Beautiful.
“Winter wears a chilly wrap embellished with sparkling crystals that belie their deadly freeze” and “From the chest labeled ‘hope’” make me sigh.
Thank you all for your kind words. Honored to be here with you.
I love, “winter wears a chilly wrap embellished with sparkling crystals”. I learned the meaning of layering clothes when we lived in Portland. Still do it.
[…] FOR POETIC BLOOMINGS AUTUMNAL POEM-A-DAY CHAPBOOK CHALLENGE, 2018, DAY 14: CLOTHES […]
Nice Threads, Mate
is something no one
has ever said to me,
and they probably
never will, you see,
I’m a tee-shirt kinda guy,
put on the pants
I took off last night,
can’t be bothered about
how I look, really can’t,
try as hard as I might.
I don’t focus on my looks,
just make sure to,
brush my teeth,
wash my hair.
Is that so wrong for
an old guy like me?
I mean, what’s it matter,
why should I care?
A simple approach is
the one I chose,
as my joy has nothing
to do with my clothes,
so it’s tee-shirts and chinos,
maybe shorts, for me.
They work fine.
The too-warm mornings
of summer are gone now,
but autumn still sleeps a bit,
not quite awake,
not quite ready for her big hurrah.
We are well past the solstice,
but she’s still young,
and I am satisfied to
comfortably capture bits
of breezy brilliance,
enlivened by the simple
pleasure of it all,
commonplace as it may seem,
grateful for this good day.
Oh Daniel, like soul here as far as clothing, sitting here on Saturday morning in a holey t-shirt and some Dutch warming under-britches my sister and law found in a random garage sale.
I plan to stay this way all day, as you say “enlivened by the simple / pleasure of it all.”
I like the thought of “autumn still sleeps a bit, not quite awake”
“but she’s still young,
and I am satisfied to
comfortably capture bits
of breezy brilliance,
enlivened by the simple
pleasure of it all,”
I could just sit with this and a cup of hot tea or cider, all day. Daniel, you have a way of offering peace to me nearly every day. Thank you, friend.
Your words are serenity, Daniel. I’ve looked forward to your poems every day in the past few weeks (few years) and you never disappoint. ThNks for this.
Daniel, this made me smile…you painted a perfect portrait for my husband! Kindreds, for sure! Well done!
Good for you, Daniel! If you’re comfortable and have joy, what else matters?
And I Have Always Loved You
It’s time to trade my flip-flops for
Warm wooly socks and sweatshirts
It’s time to dig out my favorite fleece
Jacket, the one with a hood and gloves
In its pockets – ready for frosty mornings
It’s time to heat some apple cider and
Light the pumpkin spice candle I’ve been
Saving for this season of change
Today is a chilly, rainy Fall day – the kind
Of day for hot soup and a good book
The kind of day to slow down, relax, and
Enjoy the beauty of falling Autumn leaves
The kind of day that I realize, of all the seasons
I have always loved you the most
What a perfect wrap up, Candy! Loved it.
thanks so much!
Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aww, thanks!
I’m a warm, wooly sock guy, so you had me at that, Candy! And the rest of your piece captivated me. Good work this challenge!
Thanks, Walt
So agree with you, Candy! Fall is the best. Great way to end this challenge.
Perfect ending for a cuddly poem, Candy.
Thank you to Walt and Marie for hosting this challenge! Whatever will I do tomorrow? 😉 I so enjoyed reading everyone’s poetic interpretations of each prompt – we are an eclectic bunch.
Tomorrow is our weekly Sunday prompt. No rest for the weary!
🤓
I Thank you also, Walt and Marie for the Challenge. Enjoyed getting the Poetic spot of my brain back in action even if with only one form. Was delightful to read so many contributions to the garden [even if I was short in replying.]
Thanks Marjory. Your talents just needed to be jostled and you provide such wonderful pieces. Your word artistry compliments your other artistic talents nicely. Glad you participated.
We ARE an eclectic bunch! Part of what I love about our little gathering here! And Candy, that is a large part of the thought behind Poetic Bloomings. Back in 2011, Walt and I decided to plant this space, where he would offer seeds (prompts). He and I would each write a poem in response, showing the very different directions and voices any given seed could evoke. Then we could all sit back and enjoy the variety of blooms that our guests brought to the garden! The main purpose, of course, is to promote and nurture our poets and poetic hearts, be they new or experienced. I love it here. I really do. ❤
So do I. This has been the best thing that could have happened for my writing life this year. What a garden, what loving gardeners.
❤
❤ ❤ ❤
Great challenge, W&M, thank you for all the work and inspiration.
Marie, I love your reminder we are not fully dressed until our smiles are on.
Walt, felt the transition, the brace for a change, as you helped me mentally and emotionally put away my jacket and drag out my heavy coat.
So glad you joined us, Damon! Man, do I love your poetic voice!
Thanks Damon. We’ve had an amazing two weeks.
My Pumpkin Dress
On my fifth birthday, a few days before Halloween, Mom made me a black and orange dress. I called it my pumpkin dress. I loved that dress and even wore it in the spring to my sister’s ninth birthday party. After she opened her presents, Mom had a surprise for her. The town firetruck came to give the partiers a ride. My cousin, about the same age, and I weren’t brave enough to ride the firetruck, so we stayed behind. Before they left, Mom took a picture of my cousin and I standing beside the firetruck packed with excited kids. That picture, later in life, inspired many adventures: spelunking, rock climbing, hot air balloon riding, zip-lining, white-water river rafting, because I didn’t want to be left behind, like I was in my pumpkin dress.
Two shy five-year-olds
Me in homemade pumpkin dress
Missed firetruck ride
Love this memory and the reminder to take a chance and not get left behind
Connie, I am going to miss your daily memories-in-poem. I feel like I know you better. It has been wonderful!
Love the haibun, Connie. You had a great run this month, such great memories offered.
Great memories and reminder of how particular events in our childhood trigger the events in adulthood. Hurrah for pumpkin dresses, too!
Wonderful haibun, Connie. What a pleasant picture to have as inspiration.
Carolyn Wilker’s (Story Gal) mom passed away yesterday. Her dad passed away a several months ago. She wanted you all to know. I’m sure she’ll be back with us when she can. She posted a beautiful photo of her parents on Facebook.
My deepest sympathy to Carolyn and her family.
Mine too – may each family member feel the warmth of God wrapping they in love.
Oh my … thank you for letting us know, Connie. I completely missed it on FB. May our loving Father bring comfort as only He can.
Hearts and heads are with Carolyn at the news of her loss. She’s in God’s hands. This is sad news.
So sorry for Carolyn, we know the loss and pray the sorrow will be dissolved by love and comfort from her family.
Holding Carolyn and family in my prayers. May their memories be balm for their grief.
Thank you for letting us know. Two losses so close together. My heart is sad, and hopes you will heal in time, Carolyn.
😦 OH, I was thinking we would go until the end of October, but I guess that would be more than two weeks.
So I need to redo my draft for today, end my ‘story’ early … and see how the whole thing reads!
🙂
Sorry to disappoint, Marjory. We’ll do the month in July as we had in the past. The October exercise use was to get us in the habit of writing each day as November is upon us.
.
.
Our
summer wardrobe
is stored away,
the
sadness has
left your eyes.
Memories
of campfires,
places we explored;
deserts
mountain peaks
forests’ changing colors,
Awoke
hearts to
take the dare.
Now
the trees
shed fall clothes.
Sky
becomes each
tree’s transparent robe
awaiting
arrival of
more crimson sunsets.
Lovely, Marjory!
Love it!
Beaufuk. Love the stored away wardrobe…
Exquisite!
Lovely poem, a bit bittersweet.
Plaid flannel
distressed denim
warm wooly socks
tall brown boots
gloves and jean jacket
I wear while hiking
admiring the fall foliage
painted yellow, red and orange
by the Grand Poetic Painter
who lights in me the candle
heating my heart’s cold beat.
WOW! That ending was totally unexpected. Very powerful piece here, Grace! Expertly penned!
Thanks.
Special offerings all challenge long. You’ve done well for yourself. No denying your poetic soul.
Thank you.
Well written!
Thanks.
Love this, especially the last two lines! Well penned!
Thank you.
Lovely, Grace.
Clothes
Nothing fits. It’s too
small or large, so I stay in
bed with patchwork quilts.
That works! Good idea.
Yes, please!
Nothing wrong with that, Barbara. You wear it well!
This the season to be snoring…. Loved it.
HA! I love this. Sounds like a plan to me!
Very cool response, Barbara.
Covering Fall
Capricious covers
weather of Fall.
Indian summer jumps
to the beat of changing
clouds, crowding
the sky, some edged
in black, prelude
to rain. What to
wear? An olive green
fitted raincoat, knee
length, zip or button,
removable lining,
and a hood. Throw it
at me Autumn; I am
prepared.
Wondering if we will skip our Indian summer this year, here in NW Ohio. The description of your raincoat makes me want one! 😀
Our weather has been in the 50’s, but it could suddenly sweep right into winter.
Now this is the way to handle fickle weather. Good poetry Sara.
Thanks, Damon!
You are prepared! Great jaunt through the season. (Wish I had a raincoat like yours!)
It really was a great find. Thanks, Linda!
PurplepenreplantedfromPortland sounds perfectly prepared! Good one Sara.
Thanks, Walt! Love your name change for me.
HANDS AND FEET
Icicle fingers cannot type.
It’s always been a problem.
My hands are as cold as popsicles.
Why are there no indoor gloves?
Socks and slippers are insufficient
to keep my feet from freezing.
Wear socks to bed? Why not?
It is better than frozen toes.
It’s not outerwear I need.
apparently it’s innerwear!
I love the term “innerwear” and I understand completely. This poem reminds me of “Popsicle Toes” a great Jazz number that plays very often on Jazz24 our of Washington state.
Had the same thought about “popsicle toes”. And “innerware”. and your whole presentation these past two weeks.
If you come across some inner wear, please let me know.
Thank you, Marie and Walt, and all the others that participated. And a special thanks for those that wrote wonderful and uplifting comments in response to my offerings. I apologize for the scarcity of comments from me, but life is bountiful and time is precious. I did read many of the poems when time permitted, and was amazed by the talent and willingness of those that pour their souls into their creations. Keep up the great work, y’all.
Garments of White
One day we shall
Wear garments of white
If only we accept
His gift
#seventeenineighteen
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