October Gave a Party

Every fall I am reminded of how lucky I am to have poetry in my life. When was in third grade my teacher had us memorize “October’s Party”, a poem by George Cooper.  I loved how it came to mind every time I looked out the window and saw the  autumn leaves turn and dance.

Maybe just to add varity to my repertoire, it wasn’t too long after that my mother taught me “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer. I’ve been hooked on poetry ever since.

Thank you , Mrs. Blase, for inviting me to  October’s Party.  I’m glad I responded yes! Cooper, Kilmer, Browning, Ogden Nash, e.e. cummings, Mary Oliver, sonnets, limericks, haiku, and so much more, it’s a pleasure to dance with you all! 

October’s Party 

By: George Cooper

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,

The Oaks in crimson dressed;

The lovely Misses Maple

In scarlet looked their best;

All balanced to their partners,

And gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow

New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,

At hide-and-seek they played,

The party closed at sundown,

And everybody stayed.

Professor Wind played louder;

They flew along the ground;

And then the party ended

In jolly “hands around.”