Bits of Gold and Damp
Teardrop shaped leaves litter the path, rain painting a sheen on gold and burgundy. Soon there will be only dried grass and the skeletal limbs of trees. Trudging to work or to teach, I take in the changes, noting that every autumn manifests differently though each is a harbinger of brief sunlight and chilly darkness. This season carries moisture as its marker, droplets that reflect scant light, and pliant, spongy earth welcoming my footprints. Here in New England, habits and clothing change as the winds pick up and the temperature drops. Unpacking sweaters and woolen socks, I uncover what has been dormant, the soup and fire of the coming months. I look for warmth and nourishment in all that I do, whether helping a child to discover imagery in a poem or story, performing at a library or cafe, or reading the thoughts of my adult students. It is a privilege to be an observer but it is also a responsibility. I am responsible to take my charge seriously, make time for the bitter, cacophonous midday, the resonant and timid night. What I will find is as unknown as the path of a storm or the dreams awaiting me tonight.
Literary Imaginings by Lisa C. Taylor 
BITS OF GOLD AND DAMP
Teardrop leaves,
rain painting a sheen
on gold and burgandy.
Soon only dried grass
and skeletal limbs.
Trudging to work
noting the changes.
Every autumn a different
harbinger of brief
scant sunlight, chilly
darkness and moisture,
footprints in spongy earth.
New England unpacks her
sweaters and woolen socks,
uncovers the fires and soups
in search of warmth and nourishment
in discovery, helping and teaching,
time for bitter and cacophenous middays
then resonant and timid nights,
as unknown as storm paths and dreams.
–Tom Carroll, with respect to Lisa Taylor
Hi Lisa! Remember our timed writing exercises?
Hi Tom,
Awesome to hear from you! I like the instant poem you made out of the words! Where are you these days? You are welcome to come by anytime. We still meet one Thursday a month.
A little late to reply, but Tom that is a wonderful rendering.
Sorry I didn’t see this. Been learning more about the process. Thanks, Tom and Charlie.