In anticipation of my normal weekly schedule resumption (Sunday, I suspect), I thought I’d share an autumn/Indian summer themed poem. Might be the last chance before all our thoughts turn toward Christmas and wintery themes. This is one from my book, Summer Magic, and I hope I managed to capture some imagery you enjoy.
Indian Summer by Marcia Meara
He sees her standing
Below the falls,
Carefully balanced
On the slippery rocks,
And laughing
In the hazy October sun.
Only yesterday
The ice-rimmed pool
Mirrored angry gray clouds,
And a wind out of the north
Chilled his bones.
Today, a warm yellow sun
Has eaten the frost,
And resurrected the ghost
Of a summer already laid to rest.
She’s wearing shorts,
As if she knew
There would be a reprieve
And dressed accordingly.
Dampened hems, and a
Misty sheen on
Her long, slim legs
Bear testament to
The wind-blown spray.
Her loosened hair is a
Sable cloud swirling
Around her face,
Smelling faintly
Of August nights
And tupelo honey.
She turns toward him,
Radiant and joyful,
Filled with a wonder
Most have long lost.
Her smile invites him
To let go of autumn
To share the sunshine,
To be reborn in this moment.
Surprised, his mouth
Curves in response, and
His soul cries,
Yes, oh yes!
Desperation gives voice
To need long ignored.
Yes, he thinks again,
Walking toward her.
I want the sunlight,
The warmth, the wonder.
Show me, teach me.
He takes her hand, and
Lets the sunlight
Flood his heart,
Thawing the frost within,
Setting him free.
The Write Stuff 
Stunning, Marcia. What beautiful imagery and magic. I loved it!
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Aw, thanks so much, Mae. Poetry was my first love, and probably always will be. Nothing makes me happier than playing games with words. 🙂
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I enjoyed the first stanza especially, Marcia. And lo and behold if TCM isn’t showing Splendor in the Grass tonight. There is a lovely waterfall scene in the film and my 14 year old self was once enraptured by that film and the possibilities and the harsh reality of it all.
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Thanks, Bill. Glad you enjoyed it. The second is my favorite part, personally, but I love the idea of the whole thing, because I was picturing Mac and Sarah from my first book. It sort of fits them, though it wasn’t meant to. 🙂
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You know I am a poetry “freak”so what can I say than I love, love it!
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Thanks, Carmen. I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂
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I was never much for poetry but am becoming a fan. I like this a great deal, Marcia. Wonderful imagery and charming rhythm of words. 🙂 ❤
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Just the kind of thing I like to hear, Tess. Hope I make a believer out of you one day! 😀 Poetry is good for the soul. 😉
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Sigh. ❤ ❤ ❤ We'll see.
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I LOVE your poems—and this one is no exception! You have real talent.
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Thanks so much, Liz. VERY kind words!! I’m so glad you enjoy my poetry. BTW, did you know that I’m doing a Self-Publishing Workshop tomorrow at DeBary Hall, from 1:00 to 4:00? You should join us, if you can. I can find a seat for you, I’m sure. 🙂 I know you aren’t a beginner, but you might pick up a pointer or two. Just an idea! 🙂
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Have you thought of writing a blog post about what inspires your poems and what your writing process is as you compose your thoughts? All of your poems are like stories, vignettes from life. You are a gifted poet, Marcia. 🙂
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You are so kind, Linda! No, I’ve never thought about that. Might be something to keep in mind. I’m always hesitant to post poetry because it isn’t “the thing” so much, these days. I guess I worry that it will bore most followers, some of whom really don’t care for it. Of course, there are those who do enjoy it, so you might be onto something. Thanks for the suggestion. And the main thing that inspires my poetry is that it gives me a chance to use beautiful words in unexpected ways. AND provide snapshots, if you will, of life’s small moments. I guess a post could lead with that. *going off to ponder this idea. AND to get ready for my Self-Publishing Workshop at DeBary Hall at 1:00pm.* Be back later. 🙂
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Beautiful Marsh. It’s a beautiful book. I read it and reviewed. Did you know? LOL xo
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Thanks, Deb! I did read your lovely review, and I’m pretty sure I emailed you about it. But if not, or if it got lost during the big computer wipe-out, I’ll thank you again right now. I had a lot of fun putting it together, especially the first section about MacKenzie Cole, when he was a little boy of ten. (I hope Rabbit reads it someday, so he’ll know how much I love Mac at every age!) 😀 😀 😀
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Aw that is sweet about Rabbit. And no worries on the email. I know the cyclone you went through, lol. 🙂 xo
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Beautiful imagery. ❤
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Thank you, Sarah! Poetry makes me picture lovely things. 😀
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