Poem: Autumn Glory
Books & Poetry

Following poems about Wilpena Pound and the Barossa Valley, Junette Schoell’s third appearance in Poet’s Corner is one inspired by the Bright and Wandiligong region of Victoria’s high country.
Autumn Glory
The air is ablaze, with bronze,
scarlet, vermilion, plums and gold.
Liquidambars are turning,
transforming,
burnishing copper the verdant valleys,
where persimmon, pear and quince
plump
and ripen.
Chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts
litter the orchard floors
and rising smoke filters from cottage fires,
where magic is spun from the friendly fleece
and hearts are warmed
by honey-mead, venison and bramble pies.

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Peeping forth from maple carpets,
mushroom buds and red-spotted toadstools
beckon the fairy folk to stay
and play awhile.
Fly fishers tickle and tempt the timid trout
and ducks are skimming
the rainbow reflecting streams,
fringed by willows weeping their golden lace.
Vines are shedding their umber garments,
while purple must grapes mature
to aged oak reds.
Leaf flakes flutter
float
and fall
as faint breezes stir the sentinel poplars
and far spreading elms and ashes.
Autumn Glory is again blanketing
the still earth,
where dormant dreams will
rest
and wait.
Junette Schoell was born in the Barossa Valley and now lives on the slopes of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. She began writing poetry while a young teacher on Kangaroo Island. Her poetry, she says, has come from strong personal moments and challenges, and the experiences of nature both old and renewed.
Readers’ original and unpublished poems up to 30 lines can be emailed, with postal address, to poetscorner@solsticemedia.com.au. A poetry book will be awarded to each contributor.
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