A springful of larks in a rolling
Cloud and the roadside bushes brimming with whistlingBlackbirds and the sun of OctoberSummeryOn the hill’s shoulder….
A special favourite of mine, Dylan Thomas‘ Poem in October was written on the occasion of his 30th birthday. The poem marks the passage of time and the changing of the seasons, and reflects upon the themes of renewal and mortality. The bucolic scene I’ve quoted above gives way “To the rain wringing/Wind blow cold/In the wood faraway under me,” and I’m feeling it as I’m dodging sleety raindrops and trying to put my flowerbeds to rest for the winter. Planting bulbs, pulling up spent annuals, mulching for protection – it’s easy to understand the “renewal” and “mortality” stuff. I’m definitely sad that summer is over. But, as in life (and in poetry), eager anticipation for what is just around the corner keeps us gardeners plugging away at it, season after season.
Besides, I need the next few wintery months to get through all the seed catalogues and gardening books (and poetry) I have on my “to-read” list! 😉
What garden plans or projects are you working on this month?
(To read Poem in October by Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) in its entirety, check out this issue of Poetry magazine. If you want to hear a recording of Thomas himself reading his work, click here).
Paskapoo Slopes, Calgary
A handful of carrots
Marigolds
Autumn foliage of creeping blue speedwell
‘Touchstone Gold’ beets
Goldenrod gall, Paskapoo Slopes, Calgary
Related posts:
Your Hand (Meanwhile, Melody Muses…)
October Garden (MapleLeafGardening)
Red Blaze (Imagery of Light)
Flowery Prose. 