The Disrobing Of Autumn Poem by Seema joglekar

The Disrobing Of Autumn



Autumn a season weary of song finds purpose, in the baring of trees
‘n their hollow melancholy, as from shade to shade the birds enlist
Calling here's the father of Spring giving away his daughter-
Blossoms of wild daisies and violets, carried in a gust
By the palanquin bearers of the Autumn wind.

In its breath, the bearers begin their heavenly errand, lifting her
On their well-toned shoulders, sweeping her off her feet. As her
Cheeks flush out her hearts longing, her fragrance awaken
Her dulled fortunes. Across grassy veldts, taut in the morning chill,
They whistle and fume in exertion when the bridled trees raise their
Ceilings and domes.

Lightly they bear her, singing ditties shaking birds and fanning leaves
In invitation to join their procession. Multi-hued leaves join, spreading
Their carpets in adieu to the bride, while the birds in madrigals chant
the virtues and charms of her groom to stir the life sap in her veins.

The wayside blooms stand in attendance, like bridesmaid their showers
Warmer than the coy sun gliding across waving woods and chattering
Streams, their coquetry adding to the growing mirth and pomp.

The palms and ferns wave their banners on every height, in a salutary
Gesture extols her innocence and subtle grace. While the fumes
Of poppies add vigor to the bearers limbs spurring them on their
Journey as they wind over hills sweating in their armpits.

Lightly they bear her along in a lifting fog burned by the doughysun,
Shaking crystals like spangles down every leaf dripping dew as they
Send off the bride in a tearful farewell. The bees and wasps moan
Their lamentful hymns taking leave of their loved one.

Now her composure in a fray, with flushed cheeks, bashful smiles
And faintest sighs like the soft red-autumn dawn, she is taken over
The unharnessed fields that point to their unfinished task ahead.
To the late blossoms admonishes, aged with strife, expectant of
His every word she charmingly jumbles her every word. With words
of advice they throw their bouquets as a parting gift.

Under the overhanging boughs, the apple ‘n peach trees like matrons
Bent under the strain of their loads, while the grapes eager to burst
On the tongue offer themselves as bridal gifts. The gourds and nuts
Swell with the bride's pride, each an offering, a present. A spray
Of seeds release and peas explode like crackers in jubilation
Adding to the throng. Love-sick her heart flutters, caught in their
Vines are her raven tresses.
Bear her lightly, bear her fast, for she may grudge every second that
She is apart, or she may wilt and droop.

Beautiful and comely is the bride accompanied with her bountiful gifts.
All that began in an ache ends in an anthem sung by the gnats, grasshoppers, crickets and bees.

Finally a subtle rain, at the end of the journey raises
a toast to the uniting of the groom and bride.

Through a maze of promises and trails of vows, with the disrobing
Of autumn deliver her on the threshold of her beloved, where she alights
With the burden of love perfected not only by her chastity but by
The gradual stirring of the fire in the core of her being.

Source; Ode to Autumn-John Keats


Seema.J
6th November-2014

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