October, you are a dying man
wearing a yellow suit
voguing down the boulevard
pretending that cane is just a prop.
Step inside the boulangerie.
Sugar melts, cakes grow stale,
but being in the case is like being on stage--
it's "let's pretend" in the sweetest way.
Summer hasn't been kind to us.
There is chewing gum on our soles,
our skin is a disaster, our regrets numberless,
yet we reflect in store windows as clearly as royals.
October, offer me your arm and no one will know
that you are not just being gallant.
With each step, another day ticks away
and when you lie down with me it will be as a near-ghost.
No matter, don't give it another thought.
I am here, once almost-pretty,
my spirit a genuine drop dead knock-out babe
and all yours until November arrives
in its ferryboat, and if you brought no coin
I've got you, allow me, you with the kindly moon in your eyes.
______
for my dear friend Dora at Dverse Poetics: Tripping the October Light Fantastic
"October, you are a dying man
ReplyDeletewearing a yellow suit . . . ." and just like that you spin us into a dance with a gentleman courtier, burdened with diminishing days but game to enjoy the moment, "being on stage" leaving summer's losses behind, lying down with a "near-ghost" --- anticipating the end while relishing the passion of October, "you with the kindly moon in your eyes."
I like this characterization of October so much, Shay, and your relationship to it because it rings so true. I feel the same, the loss it reminds me of, and the gain, the beauty of the moment's performance even as it passes. October means all that to me too, and you've inscribed it with perfection. In your astounding, dancingly poetic way. I LOVE it.
Thank you for writing to the prompt, dear Poetess.
So many wonderful lines. I love the truth in "My spirit a genuine drop dead knockout babe" (so true). And LOVE "you with the kindly moon in your eyes.Just wow.
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