“The breezes taste
Of apple peel.
The air is full
Of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well-honeyed hum,
And Mother cuts
Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze.”
– John Updike, September
Now that it’s the 3rd I finally changed my calendar, I seemed to be stuck on August. A hike last night brought to mind all the things I love about September. Even if it’s hot during the day the evening falls cooler and you can hike with much more energy. In late July I felt like I was dragging my legs up the trails. My dahlias are blooming and the black scabiosa (Ace of Spades) I’ve been trying to grow for years are almost there. I hope we have enough warm days left so they can finish their bloom.Countdown to school 2 weeks 1 day.
Today in the style of John Updike write about what September means to you. Try to include some rhyme and a metaphor and engage all of your senses. I love the image of washed plates to a morning haze but my favorite line is the bee, his hive, well-honeyed hum. Now get back to work.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I have the white scabiosa. They’re one of my favourites. I’ve seen a weedy looking kind, which has thinner stems but more flowers. It looks pretty messy by the end of the season. This time when we moved and I bought more scabiosa and other flowers, I stuck with the thicker stems which get the bigger flowers – though less of them. They are off to a nice start this year. I hope they get well established and have a great show next summer.