One of the beauties of Facebook is finding out about the existence of things like International Day of Peace, and being inspired by others to write something for it. Fall is making itself known in Michigan, and I can’t think of anything more peaceful than watching the seasons change. So here’s an acrostic to celebrate both Autumn and Peace:
Passing between field and woods, the scent of autumn fills my lungs.
Each step stirs a cauldron of earth. Fallen leaves crackle, bees
Alight on goldenrod. The thrum of cicadas competes with the
Cawing insistence of crows and the gathering rattle of cranes,
Eclipsed only by the rumble of thunder, by the turning of time.
–©Buffy Silverman, September 21, 2017
Margarita Engle & Amy Ludwig VanDerwater are hosting a PeaceDay padlet–check out some writing and art projects celebrating peace there.
And it’s almost Friday–Amy’s also hosting Poetry Friday at The Poem Farm.
“cauldron of earth” is so evocative — my favorite line. Wishing you peace, Buffy.
“a cauldron of earth”
This is so lovely. I so appreciate acrostics like this, with one line moving into the other. Thank you. Just lovely. I found a big fat acorn the other day and was just tickled. Peace. x
Oh, I love your Peace poem. Fall is my all time favorite time of year and it certainly brings me peace.
It is a busy busy world–but the bubbling cauldron of earth feels peaceful when it’s simmering along like it ought to, without too many human cooks stirring the pot! I’d like to take a walk with you, Buffy.
And I would like to walk with you, Heidi! I remember the walk we took at Highlights five years ago (how is it possible that it is that long ago?)
Your “cauldron of earth” stirred me. You created such a sense of impending change–An autumnal drumroll. What a wonderful acrostic!
Thank you, Molly–this is most definitely a season of change.
Thanks for this textural, and inspiring fall Peace poem Buffy! I loved the image you created in this line,
“Each step stirs a cauldron of earth.” It reminds me of my tea mulch that I am daily stirring. And I can also hear all the cicadas in this line, ” The thrum of cicadas competes with the ,” they are quite intense with this last bit of summer heat, beautiful!
Yep, our cicadas are getting in a noisy last blast, as are the katydids at night.
Just lovely, Buffy! I am outside on that walk with you, disturbing that cauldron of earth. I especially love the “thrum of cicadas.”
Glad to have your company, Violet!
You always manage to pull it out, Buffy. From P to E to A to C to E, this is the way peace is meant to be celebrated. Beautiful job!
Thanks, Michelle (and thanks for agreeing that my first draft was meh, even though you were too polite to put it that way 🙂 )
Lovely combination of autumn and peace, Buffy. The “cauldron” of earth is such a unique scent, isn’t it. So hard to explain. Happy fall!
It’s the scent of autumn–easy to identify, but yes, hard to put in words.
I love when an acrostic uses a word in a unique way like eclipse in your poem. The combination of words makes your poem artful and peaceful.
Thanks, Margaret. Last month’s eclipse was still on my mind when I wrote this!
I have not heard the rattle of cranes! I’m assuming that’s the birds? Now want to hear them! Oh – and just saw your youtube link. I’m a little familiar with that. Our brolgas trumpet – usually a deeper raucous rumble (think elephant) – but sometimes a hint of that rattle. I wonder if we live in an Australian equivalent of your environment? We’re between three dams – and the big dam has abundant wildlife – most especially birds. #love
Sounds like a wonderful place to live–I would love to visit Australia and see your brolgas!
A blessing of a poem, Buffy – I was transported, like everyone else. Last line, especially, is just gorgeous.
Thanks, Robyn–that is the line that was most satisfying to me too.
So beautiful and evocative, Buffy. Especially love “the gathering rattle of cranes.” I love thinking about the turnings of autumn in a context of peace and calm.
Me too, Jama–and this week it feels like that turn is coming fast!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful image of peace. The sights, sounds and smells mimic what I experience on my walk this morning (except for the snake sleeping by the roadside–my reaction wasn’t quite as peaceful, but I did leave him lie).
Yep–a snake is not always the most peaceful sight (especially if you’re walking with a hound!)
A cauldron of earth! You are so good at including very vivid language in your poems, Buffy. Love it! xo
Thanks for noticing that line, Irene–I struggled a bit to convey that earthy scent so was happy when I hit upon a cauldron!
Oooh, so nice.
“the gathering rattle of cranes” what does that sound like? I’ve never seen more than one at a time.
Here’s a you-tube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVEmpdMU_d8
Imagine a flock of 30 or more of these guys–that’s what we get on our lake sometimes in autumn.
Lovely Buffy. I find peace in nature too. And in poems such as yours. Happy Peace Day.
And to you, Liz!
Beautiful, Buffy! Even all that activity, and the rumble of thunder, can be peaceful.
Thanks, Tabatha. Yesterday’s distant rumble during my walk eventually turned into a downpour (which we needed, but was not exactly peaceful!)
A walk I took last early fall came to mind immediately and illustrated this poem in my mind as I read. It’s beautiful from the cauldron of earth fragrances to the rumble of thunder. You captured a precious moment. Thank you for sharing Peace Day.
And thank you for reading along, Linda.
Thank you, Buffy. I was there on your walk with you.
Happy to have your company, Ann!
This poem flows so beautifully, Buffy, that it brings a sense of peace to the wee hours of morning. May I capture your poem and photo for my fall gallery?
Sure, that’s fine Carol.
Lovely cadence and word choice. I could smell the earth’s brew.
It is a wonderful scent!
Appreciations for sharing your Peace, Buffy is such a lovely way – it , unfolds like a needed balm.
And thanks, too, for the link to the padlet.
Thanks, Jan–my walks outside are definitely a balm I need these days. Happy to share.