by

October

My backyard

I wrote this poem during my first fall in Oregon. It was inspired by the 10-mile drive from town to my home along Highway 47, one of many roads here that takes my breath away.

October

If I drive off the road of life
know I was distracted by the wilderness
gazing for a moment at gilded leaves
arched against jagged boughs of evergreen.
 
Perhaps I beheld a quilted river
of fallen crimson and vermillion
winding along the roadside
vine maples blazing in random rays of sun.
 
Had I gazed into the weave and texture of leaves
layers interlaced, sharp and dense against the sky?
Or the rain glistening, black branches of the forest bending
silhouetted by canopies of countless green.
 
Did I glimpse dry fields of weeds,
browning blades and flyaway seeds
the river meandering, my roadside companion
a tapestry of quiet color before me?
 
If I soar off the road of life
and fail to rise
know that I drove distracted by the wilderness
and my eyes brimmed with beauty.

***

Just a note that Catling’s Bane is free today until the 29th.

181 thoughts on “October”

  1. Aak fictionspawn says:
    December 14, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Great! To bad it’s over…

    Liked by 1 person

  2. basilikepappablog says:
    November 18, 2017 at 8:10 am

    Thank you for the beautiful autumn picture!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Sean P Carlin says:
    November 9, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Lovely. Nothing so inspires the pen as the delights of autumn. As L.M. Montgomery wrote in Anne of Green Gables: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

    Liked by 2 people

  4. devereaux frazier says:
    November 7, 2017 at 3:27 pm

    Reblogged this on Creative Writing Reblogged.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. sm00chezzz says:
    November 5, 2017 at 10:26 am

    I loved this the way u captured autume’s beauty was breath taken

    Liked by 1 person

  6. J.D. Riso says:
    November 4, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    Such an atmospheric poem. Your love for this place shines through the words.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. the incurable dreamer says:
    November 4, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Look at all the good stuff I have been missing out on while I tried to get my poop in a group. You are amazing, D, and are such an inspiration. ‘my eyes brimmed with beauty’…brilliant. I hope you are doing well!! xo

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      November 4, 2017 at 8:43 am

      Thanks for the visit, Tanya. I was thinking about you just a couple days ago and wondering how you are. I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem. Alas, all the leaves here have whirled away. Happy November, my friend. ❤

      Like

  8. Marcia Strykowski says:
    November 1, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    Such a beautiful poem. I especially like the last stanza. Nice work!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. inesephoto says:
    November 1, 2017 at 1:12 pm

    Oh sorry, I just wanted to say thank you for the beautiful drive 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Marietta Rodgers says:
    October 30, 2017 at 7:45 am

    I love this poem. Brilliantly done!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Sharmishtha Basu says:
    October 30, 2017 at 3:16 am

    fascinating word painting D, it is awesome, I can see that gorgeous river by your road now! thanks for sharing the vision!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Sarah Brentyn says:
    October 29, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    Diana. This is stunning. Do you have more poetry hidden on here? ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Sophie @ Blame Chocolate says:
    October 29, 2017 at 6:01 am

    Wonderful poem, Diana! I love Fall and find it so inspirational too ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  14. authorsinspirations says:
    October 29, 2017 at 2:55 am

    beautiful. as usual. i was transported.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. patriciaruthsusan says:
    October 28, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    An outstanding description of autumn, Diana. We don’t have that here in India and I miss it. I grew up in northeastern Ohio near a small lake surrounded by an old-growth forest. In autumn the trees turned glorious colors which were reflected in the clear water. Thanks for the book. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      October 29, 2017 at 10:23 am

      Thanks for sharing your memories of Ohio autumns, Suzanne. I think every part of the world has it’s glorious displays of nature, and this is one we get to enjoy in the northern climes. And you’re welcome for the book, just a quiet mention. 🙂 Have a wonderful week ahead, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Khaya Ronkainen says:
    October 28, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    Oh, the beauty of autumn captured in your poem! I especially love the first and last stanzas. This is a truly lovely tribute to October.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      October 28, 2017 at 3:28 pm

      Thank you, Khaya. I’m so honored that you enjoyed it. Things are starting to fade a little here, but there’s always next year. Have a lovely Sunday and changing seasons. 🙂

      Like

  17. Dave Ply says:
    October 28, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    It’s been a while since I’ve been up highway 47. It’s nice even in its green phase – I can only imagine it in fall colors. More easily now, thanks to your poem.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      October 28, 2017 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks,, Dave. I’m guessing you’re an Oregonian? It is pretty up here, especially when the sun is shining – a tricky thing this time of year. Thank so much for reading and I hope you’re enjoying this glorious autumn. Have a wonderful Sunday. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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