Apples with Leaves
Mid-October
A break in the storm
brings balmy weather,
Changing leaves twist in breeze
but do not abandon branches.
Howling winds that chill toes,
toss branches like cabers
onto brown-hued fields
have not yet arrived.
In mid-October we wait
for transition of seasons:
the arc from warm, sultry days
into fall’s cool, brisk hours.
Dream of summer is long past
while autumn’s entrance
is inexplicably delayed.
Lainie Senechal
Apple with Acorns
Autumn Musings
A cloudless autumn sky,
a day that reverses time,
summer’s mirage heats the hours,
no fog to dim our memory
of balmy days when hawks
ruled the season’s heavens.
Loss of sun and time
a phantom of our remembrances,
we imagine mellow days
will always be our measure.
Lainie Senechal
Gourds
Autumn Knocks
Things transition so slowly:
a few crisp mornings,
the birch barely bedecked
with a garland of golden leaves,
The wild winter ducks have
not returned from up north;
white gulls whirl in wind
to soar above a Great Blue
that still stilts along shore
searching for silver fish.
Autumn knocks on the door
but finds no one home.
Lainie Senechal
Sunflowers Awaken
September Morning
A morning of secrets –
a halo of mist rings
the cooling lake,
catches in branches
of tall trees along shore.
In some spots the sun
breaks through, bright
rays explode on ripples
created by rising wind which
cleans out remaining wisps,
pushes tethered boats
to rub and squeak against docks,
while a kingfisher rattles above:
the song of a September morn.
Lainie Senechal
Announcement: Lainie will be exhibiting artwork with members of the Kaji Aso Studio at the Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston St., Boston. The exhibit runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31st with an opening reception on Sept. 16th from 3-5 PM. Free and open to the public.
Grasses and flowers
Late August Malaise
Near the end of August,
in the languor of hot, humid hours,
I begin to lose focus -
so many arrivals and departures:
beach plums appear, then ripen,
swallows gather in great numbers,
flit randomly in loose flocks,
staging their leave to southern skies.
After a season of protection
and careful noting of fecundity,
plovers have deserted the beach.
A memory returns of one
who left last summer,
not to reappear in our time;
another arrives from abroad.
Some leaves look weary, already
dropping their garment of green.
They release to run amok
among grasses that ripen to gold.
Nature looks overgrown
and dusty, not quite under control,
ready to let it all go.
Autumn will cool this clamor,
then winter will settle it all
under a blanket of white.
Lainie Senechal
Restless Sea
7th Day of the 7th Month
A path over sand dunes
to empty strand where
plovers construct their nests –
rhythm of sea flows
in and out with tides
as evening colors horizon.
No fright of approaching dark
nor a jump at shadows.
I look to the heavens,
to our time of reunion,
beyond this earth
in a universe of stars.
Lainie Senechal
Full Moon is a White Rose
The full moon is a white rose
dropping petals of light
along the bridge and
into the sparkling river.
They float on silver waves,
not to pollute, but to
revolve among the stars,
like whirling galaxies, creating
a mystical atmosphere
for their yearly rendezvous.
Lainie Senechal
Lainie will exhibit paintings and read her poetry at this event:
Tanabata – The Star Festival
A group exhibition from July 8th – July 31st.
Works inspired by the ancient legend of Tanabata.
Opening reception: Saturday, July 8th from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Poetry Reading from 8 pm at the Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St. Stephen St., Boston.
Summer Sunset
Mid- Summer
Cacophony of sparrows
that nest in each corner
of porch break stillness
of lake absent of breezes.
All is calm except
occasional announcements
from boys’ camp
and a solitary speedboat,
skier in tow.
Waves from its wake
cause docks to creak,
for a moment,
then settle in to silence.
The lake and sky
remain serene, like lovers
after heat of passion subsides.
Lainie Senechal
Announcement: Lainie will read poetry at 11 AM during Amesbury Days Art Show and Sale, Saturday, June 24th at City Hall, Amesbury, MA.
Pink Blossoms
Spring’s Slow Start
A cover of gray clouds
mars the spring sky.
Season starts slowly,
sun is only a tease
as we wait for warmth,
for cool hours to close.
Blossoms, soft as
silken gowns, open
to stain lake’s surface
with pollen’s yellow streaks.
Bees stay busy
gathering the bounty
before it blows away
in the brisk vernal breeze.
Lainie Senechal
Pair of Daffodilsof satin yellow reflect
the daffodils’ golden hue,
whose leaves, like spears,
plunge into fresh spring air.
The season flows forward
from blossom to blossom
each with a particular aroma
that perfumes the vernal breeze.
Spring reaches its full strength
intoxicating even newly awakened bees.
Lainie Senechal