I love fall. It’s a beautiful season. I enjoy being out and about with a crisp chill in the air wrapped in a warm sweater or jacket watching the leaves turn colors. Dahlias are my favorite flower and they are still blooming at my house – I love their tenacity! On Saturday I spent some quality time with fellow poet Shahayra Majumder having lunch and roaming a street fair in Madison. We have a joint book talk at Kismet Books in Verona, WI on Sunday, October 2 at 1 p.m. It’s a wonderful store and I’m looking forward to our collaboration. In sticking with this spooky time of year, we’re going to dig into some darker stories and poems! I love time spent with Shahayra because she is a kind-hearted spirit and she brings a different perspective to my work.
Last week, I had the chance to go to dinner with my parents in Milwaukee and even though they’ve lived there all of their lives, they still are up for new adventures and get jazzed when we make exciting finds. We had a lovely time and had yummy Italian food at Tenuta’s in Bay View. (I recommend making reservations.)
One of my favorite things to do as a child was to ride in the wagon behind my dad’s tractor. Eventually, I was able to drive it and boy did I feel like I was grown up! Ah, but we grow up and things change, some for the better, some not. This poem, from The End of the Beginning, reminds me of those sweet moments of singing without a care in the world. I have started singing again and love to play guitar and sing Down in the Valley.
Hear the Wind Blow
I used to sing Down in the Valley
and swing my blonde hair
while perched in the red wagon
behind Dad’s tractor,
hauling wood
to the brick hearth,
or for bonfires in a circle of evergreens
planted the year I was born.
When my feet touched the pedals
I got to drive,
but soon jeans were tighter,
hair was bigger,
legs smoother,
it was time to stop singing out loud.
Today, somewhere,
someone,
is belting out
their Down in the Valley
while they still can.
Other dates to put on your calendar – hope to see you there!
Let’s chat soon.
With affection,
Carrie VS
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