Autumnal
There is a garland on the land,
Each tree is like a bloom
Cast down by an immortal hand
On winter’s readied tomb.
The gilded beams of beech and oak,
The silver wands of birch,
Where once the flitting swallows spoke,
Are silent as a church.
The woods are decked in autumn’s best
Upon the hillside high…
Will I be in such beauty dressed
When I lay down to die?
Vernal
There is a blush on every bough,
A veil adorns the wood,
A whisper by each law and howe
That says the world is good.
The curlews call in fields still brown
From winter’s harrow blade;
The chaffinch rings his changes, down
Where snowdrops kiss the glade.
Thorn hedges’ grey with green is flecked
To beg the rain forgive…
May I be in this wisdom decked
When I spring up to live!
Author notes
"Autumnal" is pre-written.
In "Vernal" the words "law" and "howe" are Scots words meaning, respectively, "hill" and "hollow".
A contest entry
- "Two sisters" - a celebration. by Vera Rich.
425 points, ended May 2, 36 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
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I see!
Two beautiful poems that fit together well. The beautiful language that you use and the sheer poetry is missed by the judge.
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The competition was high in this contest. The criteria involved attracted some of AP's most skillful poets. OK I work well with English hymn metre, but maybe the images and ideas in this pair are old hat now.
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A visual pair which celebrates the best of both seasons. Of course, the cynic might say that you usually cannae see the howe for the rain, but after the weather today, I'd take that back. I like both poems very much.
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Now I have seen and digested the contest design and requirements, and can comment on your pair here the Spring and the Autumn seasons. And spring rises in these wonderful colorful words, dialect so well done with scholarship to help the eager learner, and the feeling of gratitude in this season of growth is so appealing, we should all have this humble view of opportunity, i think; and autumn graces the page with colorful ideas, the meaning of the sight and senses of autumn..Natures time to sow and reap...both pieces here are so very well done...'skid
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Had to go off and get some points to do this
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Well many thanks for those
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A perfect poem, or rather pair of poems, each filled with imagery and metaphor and I ADORE the doing them in the unobvious order, death before birth. What point there is asking for 50 entrants i n the contest beats me where will you find five poets to top that never mind 50!
So overall, not bad for a first attempt... -
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Well, the setter found at least three poets to top it.
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Well, this is supposed to be a celebration, so look at it as death and resurrection, which is how I intended it.
Many thanks for your comment.
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This is pure magic in imagery. You have painted one of the most beautiful quatrains I have ever read. The abab rhyme scheme adds a depth to the fluidity as I recite it out loud. Bravo!
Love,
Amera♥
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I believe this kind of quatrain is called "English Hymn Measure". When I set out to use it, I tend to fall into it quite naturally, and it does read well. Thank you very much for your praise
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havent seen the contest but i know i like this poetry, simple words that touch and hold something ...so very well done...PK
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Thank you, PK.
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Oh now come on!
Play the bloody game woman. I complain about the standard of what you are entering so you up the ante! How's a chap to win the prize?
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Well you could try writing a better poem than I have. That ought to work.
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