Seafarer Mama/Karen is a poet, and reads her poetry to small groups of friends, and to larger groups at open mics.

Blossoming Ripe Sunflower

Poetry and the Life Cycle

Nature's cycles of life carry beauty that inspires wonder and merriment in humans of all ages. Each season carries unique charms, which we anticipate as time flows forward and the wheel turns from the present season to the next one. Sunflowers reach their peak from August through mid-October, berries and other fruit ripen, followed by others.

Children run and play heartily throughout their last few weeks of summer, knowing that school will soon take over their days. Families often take one last vacation together before their schedules become fuller and their lives become busier. The revels of summertime become sweet memories revisited only in dreams.

Regional Charms

As I write this article, summer is mellowing into fall where I live in New England. Soon the sunflowers adorning our tables will become dry and crispy, and their centers will yield delicous seeds. Pumpkins will take their place as our centerpieces. The nights are cooler and we keep warm by roasting our harvest and mulling apple cider to share with friends. Often, this transition inspires artists to create beautiful original pieces, whether they be paintings, poems or songs.

Creativity and Connections

The past three months I've been part of a gathering of artists, called Creativity and Connections. The two leaders of our communal creative journey gave us prompts, encouraged us, led meditations on finger labyrinth meditations, and facilitated the sharing of our process with each other, both online and in our postings on our group's facebook page. They chose themes related to nature, in poems and videos, to create a scaffolding for those who have trouble warmig up to creative expression. The exercises were fun and the creative work we completed was very satisfying. In addition to all that, we've become a community of artists for three months, who will keep supporting and inspiring each other. As nature blossoms and ripens, so have we. And so can you. I encourage you to pick up a pencil or pen and begin drawing what you see, then add color to it if you wish. Take time out of your busy schedule for creativity, beause it'll provide balance and support resiliency in uncertain times.

Enjoy the photos and poems inspired by my involvement with this group.

Ripe Apple on a Branch

Ripe Apples

Round fruit blush red on the branch;

In the morning they glow like the sunrise;

Pretty leaves suround their faces, like veils;

Eve smiles as she delights in their sweetness.

Sweet, Juicy Blackberries

Hummingbird's Harvest

HoveRing near sweet nectar juice

In view of people sitting on their porches,

Hummingbirds' colors light uP the garden,

Eclipsing the sunset.

Ripening Cranberries

Ripe Words

Ripe words always dancing in spirals through my mind;

In the car, in the shower, only sometimes when I'm sitting at my desk.

Pen in my hand, I shepherd them onto paper, or screen.

Each syllable is a precious gem.

Trio of Ripe Pears on a Branch

Wild Fun in Late Summer

Running through meadows of wildflowers,

In the warm autumn sunshine,

Picking crunchy pears and apples, for baking and snacking;

Evening rewards revelers with sweet desserts.

Pumpkins Ripening on the Vine

Summer's End

Reveling in Summer's warm farewell,

Clear evenings spent gazIng at stars, warm tea in hand.

Pillows are cool for dream-filled sleeping,

Until dawn's wakening to Eggs sizzling and coffee brewing.

"When Fall Comes to New England," by Cheryl Wheeler

© 2020 Karen A Szklany

Comments

Karen A Szklany (author) from New England on September 22, 2020:

Lorna ~ So glad you enjoyed my article, both the poetry and the pictures! ~:0)

Mary Grace ~ Ah...I'm honored to have "delicious" as a descriptor of my work. Glad you enjoyed this article. What are your favorite types of creative expression?

Linda ~ yes, my "Creativity and Connections" group has been such a blessing! Glad you enjoyed my poems and photos. ~:0)

Lorna Lamon on September 22, 2020:

A wonderful and heart-warming collection of poetry with beautiful photos. I enjoyed them all particularly 'Summer's End.' An enjoyable stroll through nature.

Mary Grace on September 21, 2020:

Such delicious pictures and beautiful words! Indeed, we all need creativity in our lives. :)

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on September 21, 2020:

The group that you belong to sounds lovely and very supportive. I enjoyed reading your poems and looking at your photos. They remind me of the joys of fall.

Karen A Szklany (author) from New England on September 21, 2020:

Thank you,Peggy! Time to mull some apple cider!

Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on September 21, 2020:

Your artistic connections sound like a fun group in which to participate. I enjoyed seeing your photos and enjoyed your poems. Enjoy the cooler weather up there!

Karen A Szklany (author) from New England on September 21, 2020:

Thank you, John! ~:0)

John Hansen from Queensland Australia on September 21, 2020:

What a lovely article and acrostic poetry. Creativity and Connections must be wonderful to be a part of. Nice photos too. Thank you for sharing this Karen.