Toads In Tandem: The Oak in Autumn

I could have never imagined even in my wildest dreams to be paired with Fireblossom! I still remember our conversation where the two of us decided to collaborate next year; and then Kerry discovering our shared enthusiasm and giving us the opportunity to appear in October! Needless to say we were absolutely delighted! 

We decided to let our love of nature guide us through our collaborative effort and here is what we came up with. Hope you guys like our poem.

The Oak in Autumn

Lovers and lunatics favor the oak.

Say anything--the oak will still be there,

With its odd-shaped leaves, inconstant as smoke

At their edge, but shy to leave the branch bare.

The thing that enchants, is what’s not shown there,

The mystery of a season--or a smile;

Madly bold or nightjar soft--autumn’s wile.

Oh how can I sleep with leaves all around, 

Wavering to gold from adumbral red.

Your touch imprinted on sensual ground, 

As lips opened amorously and pledged--

Of love being gentle and yet strongest thread. 

At length you had observed most conscious flame,

Erratic and bright as I called your name.

The oak is always last to lose its leaves,

Standing unchanged as if it didn't know

Of nature altered in you and in me;

Disbelieving of first November snow.

And so, I wonder if you really know

How hard it is for me to understand

Why you still smile but then withdraw your hand.

It’s undoubtedly an autumnal day, 

As moody-sweet as words we scarcely spoke. 

Can you feel sombre wind and twilight grey

Round and round the irrepressible oak--

As such reminiscence from slumber woke

Your resolve unchanging has deeper pierced 

A reckless heart hidden in rhyme and verse.

 Source

The form we chose is called Rhyme Royal which is a stanza of seven 10-syllable lines. It was popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer and termed as 'royal' because of its imitator, James I of Scotland, who had employed the form in his own verse. The rhyme scheme is: ababbcc

I remember feeling both nervous and excited as the weeks passed by, and how Shay's fiery attitude and good humor led us along the way. Thank you Shay for being such a wonderful writing partner and Kerry once again, for assigning such a lovely project to us.

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