mushrooms, sensible,
savor the cold air of fall
peak in November
after flowers have given up hogging attention,
the blush of their petals long browned
in September’s hard breezes
Who wants to compete with summer’s bloom?
Or be buried by winter’s snow?
Not mushrooms, shrewd
They have waited, a humble audience of spores,
captive in the moist soil of the forest theater,
while the warm season’s wildflowers danced on the stage
and the grasses grew tall
By late autumn, those players are reduced to chaff
Not mushrooms, judicious
Now, brilliant hues of capped fungus grow—fireworks
born of the detritus
erupted from the ground
The winds of November shiver mushrooms’ umbrellas
and send their spores cascading
for a moment to glimmer against the Harvest Moon
then settle in beds made by worms
with dead-leaf blankets
protected from winter’s crystal show
as snowflakes bloom and blow
~
©2020 Tanya Cliff
~
Written in response to Stephen’s Level Up Challenge at Fullbeard Lit. (I missed Christine Ray’s prompt for Once, because I haven’t seen the movie.) If you don’t already, please consider giving a follow to the talented writers who provided the prompts:
https://braveandrecklessblog.com/
https://amanpan.com/
https://fullbeardlit.org/category/poetry/
https://midwestfantasy.wordpress.com/
https://marylandpoetblog.wordpress.com/
For more writing prompts and a friendly place to share your work and support other creatives, visit: https://godoggocafe.com/
~
Note to my WordPress friends:
In late summer of 2018, I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer. I underwent a Nipple-Sparing Double Mastectomy followed by two reconstructive surgeries, and months of painful rehab. I am healthy and getting back to my creative endeavors. I have missed you! Please watch my site in the coming weeks as I work back into weekly posts and announce exciting new endeavors.
Tanya, I am delighted you participated in my weekly prompt. You know, mushrooms are shrewd and also strong as they brave the elements. Each one unique with a compelling personality.
They are! Nature never ceases to amaze and inspire! 😘
Thanks so much for the share, Eugenia! 😘
Tanya,
It is wonderful that you are posting again. You were truly missed.
I am so sorry for all you’ve been through, and pray the road ahead
is less bumpy and leads to a smooth ride as you return with your
creative genius in full bloom. The beautiful mushrooms are a grand
metaphor. You rock!
Sarah
Thank you so much, Sarah! I treasure your words. ❤️
Thanks a lot for participating in the challenge. A lovely and truly sensible poem! Lol.
Thank you, Sadie! ☺️
You’re welcome!
I’m glad that you survived your ordeal and are healthy Tanya. Welcome back.
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. 😊
You’re most welcome.
Glad to see you back Tanya!
Thank you! I have missed our WordPress community. 🥰
Oh,dear Tanya!!why had you not told about your sufferings?thanksGod.He was with you that time.i have missed you more.most lovely poem”Mushrooms”umbrella…..moon harvest……”most beautiful imagination by using the amazing gem’s metaphor.really a masterpiece.Weldon,dear!!
Thank you so much, Aruna! Happy to be back and grateful for each day. 🥰🥰🥰
Most most welcome,dear Tanya.glad to see you after a long time.❤
Welcome back! I’m so glad you are here and doing well. I look forward to your new journeys!!!!
Thank you so much, Colleen! 💕💕💕
Great picture and poetry Tanya.
Thank you so much, Keith! 😊
I am so glad to hear that you are doing better. I look forward to reading more of your poetry. Wishing you the best of health.
Thank you so much! That means a lot to me.😊
You are looking beautiful and I am glad you are doing well. I hope to read your wonderful work. Dear Tanya, have some fun and be safe.
Thank you so much, John! Excited to be back and grateful for each day! I missed you and our WordPress community. 😊
I am glad you are feeling good. Good health is a blessing. You are welcome Tanya.
“Grateful for each day”, as a cancer survivor myself, these words mean so much and I’m so glad you made it through to the other side, Tanya! This grand poem is a beautiful start…
Thank you so very much! And I am happy to share that particular flavor of gratitude with you! Here’s to health and happy writing. 🥂💕🥰
Yes! I believe it helps (& so does a weekly yoga practice!).
🙏🦋💕😘
Glad you’re on the mend and, mushrooms are so cool!
They are! And thank you! 😊💕😊
Tanya, I especially like this particular line–Not mushrooms, shrewd
They have waited, a humble audience of spores,
Very clever. The whole poem was a delightful read. Don’t think I’ve ever read a poem about mushrooms!
Happy to hear you are back with us and my prayers for your recovery. And thank you so much for the shout out here.
Beth
Thank you so much, Beth! That means a lot to me. 🥰🥰🥰
Glad to read your poetry again! I wish you the best, Tanya! ❤
Thank you so much, Amitav! Good to be back! 😘
Welcome back, my friend. Much power and love sent your way! C&C ^.^
Thank you so much, Chris and Carol! Good to be back! ❤️
I missed you, sorry you had to go through such ghastly stuff. 🙁
I missed you, too! Good to be back and catching up with our WordPress family. 🥰
Nice poem, as usual. And glad you’re over that very large hump! Take care.
– Christine
Thank you so much, Christine! That means a lot to me. ❤️
Reblogged this on davidbruceblog #2.
Thank you so much for the share! ☺️