That Time Before Winter
#1 of Poetry
Hello there! This is my first submission to SoFurry. I heard that this site was more literature oriented, so I figured I'd give posting my poetry here a shot. You will soon discover that the genre of my work leans primarily towards children's literature. I've always been a fan of nursery rhymes: their clean, classical formats; mesmerizing rhythms and lighthearted subject matters. Pair that up with a profound love for the natural world, and the result is what I'll be posting here!
I thought I'd start off strong, as this poem is one I'm especially happy with. It's written in the style of "The Night Before Christmas." That's another literary quirk you'll find is common with me: I enjoy challenging myself by emulating well-known literary templates; in this case, only the rhythms, mind you. It's like a puzzle, conjuring up a completely different poem that matches the flow of another one. I also tend to pay homage to famous works, like writing a sequel/prequel to a common nursery rhyme and the like.
Anyhoo, I've rambled enough. I do hope you enjoy this slice of Autumn~Cover Art is copyrighted to the wonderful JazzyCat, an artist who has inspired quite a few of my works.
It's that time before Winter and all through the yard
run pathways of petals all beautifully charred.
An assortment of heartwarming hues can be seen:
deep reds and bright yellows and shades in between.
How my innocent heart beats with hummingbird pleasure
at the sight of these wonderful bundles of treasure!
So I say to myself while my heart is a thumping,
"No time shall be wasted, these leaves are for jumping!"
To the largest collection of colors I race,
with laughter aplenty, the wind in my face
and the sun at my back, pushing me with its rays,
as I spring into Fall without looking both ways.
I land soft in the pile that the season provides,
as if leaping in laundry just recently dried,
and upon my resurfacing what should I see
but the base of what seems like a beanstalk to me.
I look up at the plant and think Jack would be proud
to descend such a towering tree from the clouds.
Though it's lacking its leaves, looking lonely and bare,
I just can't help but smile as I harmlessly stare
at what once was full green, so I shout out "hooray,"
giving thanks to the trees on this cool autumn day.
To you children at play, be your yards big or small,
Happy Leaf Leaping, friends, and to all a good Fall!