“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” Emily Bronte
Autumn loves Kentucky and we Kentuckians love our autumn.
This beautiful state sparks poems during autumn months.
Yes, we understand the bliss Emily Bronte identifies.
Driving down into central Kentucky for meetings during early crepuscular hours, I was captivated with images of our Kentucky awakening to her new day.
Strands of fog wisp
Among the hills
Until the blazing ball
Demands its time.
The banished mist
Retreats,
Yet marks this equinox
For all to see.
– Judy Harris, 1998
Kentucky’s state park lodges in our Eastern mountains offer warm hospitality, yummy meals, and breathtaking views as we hike her trails during family weekends.
O barren hills and jaggy spikes
Awaiting patiently.
Snow-laden clouds are hastening here,
To dress you properly.
Dew-drop diamonds dot each blade,
Crimson velvet, gleaming gold.
Autumnal gifts for each of us.
Behold. Behold. Behold.
– Judy Harris, 1999
We’re not alone in delighting in all things autumn. Seems as though we are on more flight paths than CVG’s.
Birdies
By the hundreds
Take their fill
From our berry-laden trees,
Then
On some silent signal
Rise
To catch a southbound breeze,
Leaving us mementos
Of their sojourn here,
Baksheesh, brightly colored,
All over our SUV’s.
– Judy Harris, 2001
Have you been inspired by Kentucky’s autumn beauty? If you jotted some poetry, be sure to share it with family and friends.
Might you need to summon some courage to share your poetry? It does take courage, doesn’t it? And then we find the most amazing fellow poets have been among us all the time.
Judy Harris is well established in Northern Kentucky life, as a longtime elementary and university educator. A graduate of Thomas More, she began her career there in 1980 where she played a key role in teacher education and introduced students to national and international travel experiences. She has traveled and studied extensively abroad. She enjoys retirement yet stays in daily contact with university students.
Reading your poetry always increases my vocabulary! Thank you for sharing with us.