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I Choose a Pumpkin Life
by
Paula Schulz


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If once I chose the rush of spring wind

or the restless, lapping, push-to-the edge

of summer waves— I'm older now. I rescind

 

those choices. Falling leaves tick like time around

my shoulders—who does not love this slow, bright

burn of color? I knew before, feel now:

 

each step I take, I take into a moment

that will not come again. My garden's

nearly done: beans are sparse, everything spent

 

in an effort to love the warm earth and the rain

whose dark/bright cloud shadows roll over all,

brief as dreams. Only the pumpkins remain

 

strong. Those ribbed lanterns holding a stash

of seed-coins for next year, a promise

they mean to keep.

 

© by Paula Schulz.
Used with the author's permission.

 

 


Paula Schulz has taught students in kindergarten, college, and a few grades in between. Involved with the Poetry People in Waukesha and, for the last two years, the Pewaukee Area Arts Council's ekphrastic project, Paula lives with her husband in Slinger, Wisconsin.

 

 


Post New Comment:
ElizabethP:
This is wonderful. Thank you.
Posted 11/08/2015 04:34 PM
chris schulz:
The last line is so visual, creative and ripe, thanks Paula!
Posted 11/06/2015 07:38 PM
jeanie:
love this too ... everything is better in fall
Posted 11/06/2015 04:32 PM
transitions:
'Leaves tick like time, brief as dreams...' such beautiful imagery ~ pure Paula...yes, thank you for another beautiful poem ♡ Judy
Posted 11/06/2015 02:24 PM
becky evans:
I meant to add that I liked the way each stanza continued into the next one.
Posted 11/06/2015 12:44 PM
becky evans:
A beautiful poem!
Posted 11/06/2015 12:43 PM
Shoshauna Shy:
I live in Wisconsin, and I especially love that last 3 lines, and knowing that each moment will not come again. So true! But more apparent in the fall as you watch each piece of nature brighten or change color, curl, fall or get ripped away. Beautiful poem, Paula.
Posted 11/06/2015 12:22 PM
peninsulapoet:
I want to visit Wisconsin. No fall where I live. Lovely poem.
Posted 11/06/2015 11:58 AM
Jo:
Fantastic poem, Paula. The ribbed lanterns, the seed coins. Just beautiful.
Posted 11/06/2015 11:19 AM
Larry Schug:
I think the last verse of this poem is the entire poem, but mindfully walking the path leading to the garden is pure pleasure. Good work.
Posted 11/06/2015 10:44 AM
Lori Levy:
Beautiful language. I love "...Falling leaves tick like time around/my shoulders--who does not love this slow, bright/burn of color?"
Posted 11/06/2015 10:21 AM
Janet Leahy:
Beautiful poem, full of nostalgia as is the season, "brief as dreams" suggests we pause with gratitude in the autumn loveliness. Thanks Paula.
Posted 11/06/2015 09:23 AM
Cindy:
beautiful
Posted 11/06/2015 08:51 AM
paradea:
I like this poem.
Posted 11/06/2015 08:00 AM
tiddles:
Beautiful, Paula! I love the "ribbed lanterns" and the "seed-coins" and walking "into a moment that will not come again." Makes one stop, think, and be thankful. Marilyn Zelke-Windau
Posted 11/06/2015 07:59 AM
KevinArnold:
She does the.difficult, noting the movement in how we change in a fresh voice. Brava!
Posted 11/06/2015 07:36 AM
Jean :D:
I too choose Autumn. If only it lasted as long as winter does. Perfect poem!
Posted 11/06/2015 06:34 AM
rhonasheridan:
Delightful
Posted 11/06/2015 02:27 AM


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