High UponThe Meadow

The late grass of summer
refused to release.
Stretching ever higher
to see across the stream.
The water near the mountain
that housed the rising sun
encased autumn’s beauty
and in its mighty pines
eagles clung.

The golden stalk of December
danced upon the breeze
surveying a shift to winter,
and soon the covering of the trees.

The slender stalk slightly faltered,
knowing its time was near.
So, a gusty Zephyr
sheared it from the land
carrying it on its wing,
and high upon the meadow
it laid its final seed.

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

How Beautiful! Your observation and both its reflecion and echo is absolutely stunning, Cherrie. Our outdoor world is meant to spread light, hope and comfort; your words come from the 'all about'. To turn away from it is a 'crying shame' . Thank you. Wishing you and your space a very special Christmas and new year.

[Ken Simm.]

I think it is the flowing lilt of this lovely classic poem that caught me first. And then it held me.

[Cherrie L Bill]

I took that picture in northern California on live moode so, whenever I open the photo on my phone the grass moves. I just love looking at the picture and like everything else in my little world it because a poem. 🙂

[Lorry]

Such a beautiful memory of what has come to pass, as it always does in this never ending cycle of life.
Now it is but a fond memory of before December froze life into submission, but I am sitting here fondly reminiscing about when there was just a hint of a chill in the air.
Nicely captured.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you, Lorry
yes winter is crouching ever near I have my earmuffs at the ready.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

" a gusty zephyr" is an unusual phrase because the term zephyr usually denotes a "gentle" wind from the west but this one is strong enough to "shear" stalks from the land. When I was on the Mexican border I noticed many of the houses had "breezeways". I didn't understand the meaning until I stepped into one. Outside the breezeway was a gentle breeze four or five mph but inside the walls there was a twenty mile an hour headwind. The Mexicans there called it " el racha" or the gust. A very descriptive write employing personification with close observation. I enjoyed the read.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Fabian.
I liked playing with the
Image of a small breeze
Kicking it up a bit to carry off the last seed of the season.
You might have to turn your breezeway image into a portrait of words.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Well, I was carrying cardboard packing boxes through it at the time and the explicit adjectives I was employing for it weren't very nice. I used to do in home set-up and delivery for a furniture shipping company. But the guy who owned this particular hacienda was the owner of a string of Mexican restaurants. Bought my partner and me free lunch and gave us a fifty dollar tip each. He laughed when I asked the deal with the breezeway. He explained the house was designed to catch the breeze there to help keep the house cool. Even so, they had central air. (smile)

[Cherrie L Bill]

Yes it's funny in the North they use to block the North wind. Perspective is everything.

[Sami Khalil]

Those stalks carrying seed must release with the wind to find their resting place for the next merry - go - round.
Your poem dances with the breeze.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you, Sami🙂

[jacob erin-cilberto]

my goodness this is beautiful....it reminds me of Dylan THomas...."do not go gentle into that good night"---

I still see some trees that are fighting to remain with summer dress, even as December rolls by.

j.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Yes. So many of the trees cling to there cover. Determined to not dress down for winter.

[Chris Shaw]

Visually stunning Cherrie. From autumn to winter, and I particularly enjoyed the movement in the final stanza and the promise of rebirth in the spring. All good wishes,

Chris

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you, Chris 🙂 what would we have without the promise of Spring.

[red93]

Fabulous Cherrie - so visual and filmic. Love the 'gusty Zephyr'. Really Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you, Tony 🙂 I always enjoy your visits and encouragement.

[red93]

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Cherry... your Poems could be composed as Music...
with the setting of the Sun. The golden Sheaves of Summer
feel the Winter's Blast and will be gathered in the Barn for Birthing
when Spring arrives at last... high up in the Mountain where Eagles Nest.
gently, Pat

[Cherrie L Bill]

🙂 thank you Pat
I took that picture in northern California. I took it on live moode so the grass dances . I couldn't get the image out of my mind.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Cherrie
Indeed we had a beautiful ,warm autumn...where leaves remained green for so long and grasses grew higher and higher...yet it it was bound to end when winter breezes lifted off the leaves and stalks and blew them over the mountain...will winter bring us snow topped mountains? yet to know....
vivid imagery and lovey words to match
Warmly, B

[Cherrie L Bill]

Yes we had a beautiful Indian summer her but I could stand a little snow for Christmas. 🙂

[Betty Hermelee]

Always a pleasure Cherrie!
Warmly, B