It’s that time of the year when finding time for writing is harder than ever. The demands of school leak into other parts of the day, and my reserved writing time can easily slip slide away before I even notice. These days I am especially grateful when a prompt or challenge sparks a response. I wrote this one to Laura Purdie Salas’s prompt for her “Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle!” give-away. I didn’t win the give-away, but having written something was a welcome consolation prize. 🙂
To prepare for winter…
I snap some photos
of blazing maples,
then sweep the leaves
from my mind,
wipe away dew-laden webs,
prepare to focus on lacy frost,
misty clouds of breath,
the glory of the first
snowfall.
©Molly Hogan, 2019
The Poetry Friday Roundup this week is hosted by the ever-gracious Linda B. at her blog, Teacher Dance. She’s revealing the cover of a new book by Irene Latham and Charles Waters that will be coming out in February. Take a peek! It looks wonderful!
Nix the comfort zone 
I remember well those early weeks of school and even after years, always being surprised that my time was so taken. It is still warm here & I am really looking forward to “misty clouds of breath”, getting out the sweaters, seeing “blazing maples”. Hope your days settle down a bit, and happy autumn, Molly!
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We drove around the state a lot this weekend and the foliage is just starting to turn. Little peeks of red and gold here and there. So pretty!
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Your poem makes me wish I lived in a colder climate. We so rarely get snow.
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I do love the change of seasons. The winters are long, but so beautiful. You’re always welcome to come north and visit if you get a hankering for some snow!
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Yes, the glory of the first snowfall.. so so lovely, Molly! Every snowfall here is glorious, as we get snow so seldom. Enjoy! xo
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I’m willing to wait a while for that first snow fall. lol The major downside of winter is the oil bill….sigh…
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I love “sweep the leaves from my mind.” Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Thanks, Ruth!
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I’m kind of in that mode now too, Molly. Not because of teaching, of course, but “life” sometimes gets in the way of writing time too. It’s interesting how a few lines are all it takes to make us feel better. Well done on yours!
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Thanks, Michelle. It’s easy to get frustrated by the intensity of my schedule… and the lack of flexibility. I’m trying to celebrate “successes” when I find them, no matter how small they might be.
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Lovely poem, Molly! I also love “sweep the leaves from my mind. ” 🙂
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Thanks, Jama. I was thoroughly pleased to have written a few lines 🙂
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I too appreciated Laura Purdie Salas for inspiring me to write my poem in the middle of my crazy life. I thought September would get calmer once I retired, but I think I’ve just taken on more….
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So glad you took the time to write a poem:>)
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I’m not retired but I know how quickly the free time of summer fills up, so I imagine it’s a similar phenomenon. I do count on prompts to get me writing sometimes!
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Molly, this poem captures that fall feeling so well! I’m sorry you didn’t win, but I agree that your poem is a prize:>)
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Thanks for the nudge to write, Laura!
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Molly, I am feeling the heavy burden of little time and am so happy that I can catch up on PF posts now. Your poem is lovely with its beautiful images. I assume that you will see an earlier snow dropping this fall than I. When I lived in Central NYS, winter came early and stayed late, not at all concerned about stepping on the toes of other seasons.
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Thanks, Carol. I really like your image of winter stepping on the toes of other seasons. There’s a poem in there!
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Oh, do I ever hear you on the loss of writing time! I’m struggling.
I’m so ready for fall/winter, but it seems like summer isn’t going to let go of us that easily.
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I love fall but it’s sooo busy!
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How could one not love fall,its right up there with spring for favorite season. Love the poem. Poems don’t care how busy we are, they pop in our head and demand to be written down.
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I’m really quite happy to linger in fall for a while, but other than the aching cold fingers, I’m really looking forward to winter photography.
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Beautiful imagery Molly, glad you took up Laura’s writing challenge–but do mention to Mother Nature to hold back on that first snow for a bit…
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Thanks, Michelle! I’ll be sure to put in a word!
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