Wednesday, October 13, 2010

A Practically Perfect October Day


A Practically Perfect October Day
  
When the demilune moon finally slips down beneath the pale pink horizon of dawn, a brand new day shall appear. But for now, suspended in the muffled velvet of night, the Earth sleeps away, blind and unknowing, waiting for doors to fling open, morning bells to ring out.

While out past the planets, where the blue of the sky dissolves into black, and back into blue once again, there is a land where unnamed stars wink at each other and galaxies rattle round in the pocket of God like loose change.  Deep within these unknowable borders is a room lined with windows that never close and in the middle of that room is a shimmering table made of golden water and children’s dreams.  At that table October now sits, calmly waiting to speak. 
 She gazes at those who have gathered around her - the Azure Sky and the Raincloud, the Crisp Breeze, the Hail, and the Fog.  The Snow pays her little mind, for he knows he shall not be called on for duty this day - he is instead in a corner, whispering white secrets to the inattentive Heat Wave.
The Nor’easter is hopeful, the Ice Storm’s asleep.
October tosses her auburn hair and sings the meeting to order.   
There is no time to waste.
 This day must be planned. 
Known to reign with a benevolent hand, she privately thinks her Summer predecessors have been a bit harsh with their assignments this year and is therefore more determined than ever to bestow a salubrious mood over the thirty-one days that lie under her rule.
So she shakes her head sharply at the Rain and the Ice, gives a firm no to the Tornadic Wind. 
But she nods to the brilliant Azure Blue Sky, smiles warmly at the Brisk Breeze of Autumn. Both disappear in an instant, at once on their journey to the still sleeping Earth.  She sends Lingering Shadow for a dollop of mystery, dispatches Bright Sunshine, Crystal Air and Cool Night. 
Then, clearing the room with a one wave of her hand, she sits at a tall open window to watch. 

She soon spies a woman down far below, packing her suitcase, kissing a big white dog goodbye on the top of his head.  She sees the woman throw the suitcase into the back of her car.  Her gaze follows the woman into the green mountains, watching as she sings along to the music, her hair flying out of the open window, a smile upon her sunkissed face. 
 And October is pleased.  
Her work is appreciated.  
Indeed, as she continues to observe the happy lady on her holiday below, she decides that maybe she shall keep the next few days just like this particular one.  After all, judging by the lady’s reaction, this day is practically perfect.
And gathering up her skirts of cardinal feathers and fallen leaves, with an imperious toss of her auburn hair, October sweeps from the room.

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“There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October”
Nathaniel Hawthorne

Painting above by Lucien Levy-Dhurmer

31 comments:

  1. Perfectly lovely! I love how you have personified all the elements, very magical.

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  2. A delightful post for this beautiful Autumn day!

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  3. Magical~ I love this line: "October tosses her auburn hair...."

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  4. This is an amazing bit of writing, Pamela. Thank you.

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  5. I love the way your mind works, Pamela, and I love the way you pen the words that describe it. Magically written!

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  6. You beautifully described our weekend days here on the farm in Michigan.

    Happy travels!

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  7. Dear Pamela, What a wonderfully creative and imaginative way to introduce us all to the many delights of October, which, fortunately I too am enjoying at the moment.

    Let us hope that she keeps her promises!! Have a lovely holiday!

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  8. I love the magic of Fall and the art it creates. I also love this post! xo

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  9. A lovely dream of a post!!! Love your idea of each month as a personage.

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  10. magic as usual - I realize I have a smile on my face :) - enjoy your time away ......

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  11. very lovely!
    http://design-elements-blog.com/

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  12. So lovely to read about happy October, pleased with her work. Isn't it wonderful after such a summer? My senses are heightened, my mood afloat, and I'm feeling inspired by your lovely, lovely post.

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  13. I’ve just caught up on your past posts as I was away in Wisconsin.. Lovely, lovely stuff Pamela. as always you enchant with your romance and words so carefully crafted...thank you.

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  14. O..I just noticed we used the same quote...:))
    Isn't this a marvellous time ..I so love October..

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  15. October...such a wonderful month, full of change but also of promise and so beautifully described by you Pamela...xv

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  16. Dear Pamela, you have an enchanting way of writing, I loved 'unnamed stars wink at each other...' but best of all, 'a shimmering table made of golden water and children's dreams'.
    You are a very special person,I send my hopes that enjoy your holiday.

    Hugs Jane

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  17. Fabulous painting! And wonderful words to go with it. I trust the lady has/had a practically perfect holiday to match!

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  18. How perfect. October even cast her glance at us, a bit further south and left Humidity and Climbing Temperatures to cool their heels for a spell while Cloudless Skies and a bit of Brisk Air (still in training) were dispatched to gladden our hearts.

    What a delicious concept that shall change the way I look at each day!

    Joan and the Barkalots

    (Sharing your concern for our dear pal, Wilf)

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  19. A prose poem of October! Just lovely...

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  20. This is so lovely Pamela, and certainly rings a bell here in France, where we're enjoying our finest October in a long time.
    Sharon

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  21. You are a poet, Pamela, a lovely poet with a soul full of gold. And like the girl in the fairy tale you spin the most wondrous tales!
    Autumn is here and I love the moments of warm sunshine even more, knowing it will not last!

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  22. Just flying through to say a long overdue 'hi' :D
    We've had some beautiful October days like that here, and long may they continue :D

    ps.
    I've been away too long.

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  23. Ok, Speechless! Loving it ! Wonderful!

    I will never look at October the same way again and you could not have picked more perfect words...
    "And gathering up her skirts of cardinal feathers and fallen leaves, with an imperious toss of her auburn hair, October sweeps from the room"

    Just beautiful Pamela! How do you do this????

    Jeanne :)

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  24. I love the painting that you have chosen, a wonderful expression of how a perfect October day should be. It's dull, dank and cold in S.W.England!

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  25. It is only this year that I have noticed how many people are saying that they love October and that autumn is their favourite season. (me included) I love the painting and your words are magic.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!