by Robert - just a simple man - B.
Member since:
April 12, 2007

AUTUMN

October 11, 2009 09:24 PM EDT (Updated: October 12, 2009 01:51 AM EDT)
views: 306 | comments: 85

I would like to dedicate this poetic-photo essay to my friend and fellow Gatherer Dianna Doles-Petry.  Our souls are kindred spirits and we share a similar journey.  Please be sure to take the time to read some of her posts, her poetry is very natural.

 

 

AUTUMN

©2009 Robert C Burnham

italicized words by Henry Longfellow

 

Autumn up north comes with a chill in the air

And there’s a hint of honeysuckle in your hair

Ravens keep watch from their perch on high

I read from a book, my head on your thigh

 

“Life is real!  Life is earnest!

And the grave is not its goal;

Dust thou art, to dust returneth,

Was not spoken of the soul”

 

I turn the page but you still my lips

Your caress is a wondrous one

Within the colors of these wooded slips

We are now back where life begun

 

We find a bed of fallen leaves

And share the love our passions bring

To you and this land I do cleave

And both will be multiplied in the coming spring

 

In glorious colors we are gifted

Our harvest has been a fruitful one

By Longfellow’s words we have been lifted

Strolling hand-in-hand towards a setting sun

 

 

 

Robert Frost’s Ghost

©2009 Robert C Burnham

 

Through the New England autumn

Robert Frost’s ghost, walks

The path less traveled

Under reds and yellows

I stroll, companion to the spirit

As the words in my head unravel.

 

All photographs ©2009 Robert C Burnham.  All photographs taken 10.10.09 in Le Roy, New York– my new stomping ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ ~  Thanks for Coming Along ~ ~

 

 

:+)
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Comments: 85

Elsie Duggan Oct 11, 2009, 10:58pm EDT
How very beautiful the poems and the pictures are Robert, you certainly know how to take photos, these are gorgeous and of course your poetry is always wonderful.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 11, 2009, 11:13pm EDT
Thank you Ms. Elsie.
Kushal Poddar Oct 11, 2009, 11:10pm EDT
God! You are back again. I am glad that these poetries have come from you and these photos are taken by you.
This is for you brudder:


killing some truths
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 11, 2009, 11:16pm EDT
Why wouldn't these poetries 'come from me' and why wouldn't the photos be 'taken by me'.

Didn't you want me to come back?
Kushal Poddar Oct 11, 2009, 11:28pm EDT
I want and I want. God knows how much you mean to me. Brother. I was worried last night. I was saying that it is good to see you coming back.


killing some truths
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 2:10am EDT
Just finished off a bottle that was purchased for dinner with another when I first moved here. Since then that other has gone a different way.

I ended up comitting GWI (Gathering While Intoxicated). Well, my hnext drunk is proabbly 2-3 years away now. That is the bright side.
Georgiana S. Oct 11, 2009, 11:12pm EDT
very beautiful. I see Streaker is not really liking the cooling of the days though
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 11, 2009, 11:14pm EDT
What do you want Ms. G, a month ago she fell 11 stories - she's a little more tentative now. But trust me, she loves it here.
Georgiana S. Oct 11, 2009, 11:17pm EDT
I know, I meant it simply as with myself, old injuries tend to hurt more in the cold
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 12:49am EDT
We're taking it slow m'am and we both love you greatly.
Barbara H. Oct 11, 2009, 11:32pm EDT
I'm jealous how about writing a poem about somebody old like me! Just kiddin.
Such a beautiful picture you paint resting your head on her thigh as you read. I've always loved that vision.
Jennifer Lee Oct 11, 2009, 11:42pm EDT
Your poems are stunning. I wish that I had an ounce of your talent. Streaker looks great, but she she be in the water already? And she's standing on her back legs too soon, me thinks. I'm a worried mother hen and need reassurance asap.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 12:48am EDT
Honey, it was all with great moderation. She stayed laying in the truck for most of the tour. Her hind legs weren't in the water. And when I saw she was getting tired, I brought her home. She knows you love her, she knows you're her God-Mommy and she wants you to know that she'll let me know if she tries to do too much.

We both love you and I thank you for the poetic compliment. It bugs me though I cannot remember which Longfellow poem them lines (2nd stanza) came from.
Richard Lynn Livesay Oct 12, 2009, 12:01am EDT
A country Autumn with leaves of style
A country road to walk a mile
Pumpkins and squash and a stone fence
You show us all how much we miss.
Ducks on the pond, trees turning red
Thanks giving near, what else can be said.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 12:41am EDT
Richard (papa); Your prodigal sons pulled a fast one last week and nobody caught it:

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Kushal posted a poem I wrote
And I claimed one written by Ku

hahahahahahahahahahahaha
----------------------------------------------

Thanks for stopping by here.
Richard Lynn Livesay Oct 12, 2009, 12:46am EDT
A poet is a poet, is a poet
unless you don't know it
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:11am EDT
Are you saying that a rose by any other name is still a Kushal. LOL

I wrote "Journey Home"
He wrote "The Soul & The Ledger"
We swapped them via email
And posted them as our own.

But we can no longer deceive 'papa' with our ruse. Feel free to brand his but with a switch. And I'll watch and that will be punishment enough for me. rofl.
Kushal Poddar Oct 12, 2009, 6:46am EDT
Oh yes.
Richard Lynn Livesay Oct 12, 2009, 9:46am EDT
I am writing a poem about a fox...I may change his name to Roberto.. His sidekick is called Mandril, the Monkey. they are cunning and mischievious characters and should be approached with caution.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:34pm EDT
and what? Ku comes off innocent. He's more sly than he looks. lol
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:35pm EDT
Roberto is good. A good name for a fox.
Richard Lynn Livesay Oct 12, 2009, 5:14pm EDT
Ok, I may need some help on this...maybe a R & R-collaborative poem.

There will be 4 animals: Roberto, the fox; Dawnatello, the cat, Richardo,the monkey and Kushalino, the ?(owl, rooster, lizard, bullfrog, canine????)
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 5:58pm EDT
Kushalino the Breakfast, ergo, I mean Rooster, yeah that's what I mean
Suggested the fox, as he was studying the scene
Dawnatello of course feigned objection
But Richardo knew her real affection
And the fox self-sufficiently began to preen.

Bring it on Rich, email me what I need to do or at least a background storyline....
Dawn (fly on the wall) Oct 12, 2009, 8:02pm EDT
dawnatello, love that =)

we do return to the dust. loved this pea 1! loved it. love autumn.
Dawn (fly on the wall) Oct 12, 2009, 8:02pm EDT
streaker hasn't forgotten how to model. =)
Dawn (fly on the wall) Oct 12, 2009, 8:06pm EDT
my grandfather's nickname is rooster. you have mail pea 1.
Dianna Doles-Petry Oct 12, 2009, 12:26am EDT
Well, you certainly do know how to make a lady feel appreciated. Thank you, Robert, for dedicating this to me. The poem is beautiful and the photos are spectacular. Streaker looks like she is watching the world spin and trying to figure out why humans would paint a smile on hay! LOL

Thank you for the time and effort you put into this. You're awesome.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 12:45am EDT
My pleasure sweetie.
amy r. Oct 12, 2009, 12:40am EDT
Ah, my favorite season, especially here in New England. Its come a little late this year, though. Many of the trees are still green. (nature's first green is gold) I love that, that's what I think of when I think of fall.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:13am EDT
I was born and bred in Maine for 22 years. Autumn in the western mountains is gorgeous. Autumn on the North Atlantic coast is breath-taking. Autumn in the White Mountains of NH is stunning!
amy r. Oct 12, 2009, 1:28am EDT
Oh, cool. I actually live very close to Maine. Its the next town over, but its like that in many cities of NH, as you know. I lived very close to the White Mountains, actually, not very far from Green Mountain for about a year, leaves galore. Fall was beautiful, I'm not that far from it now, but I'm more southern NH, but its still gorgeous, isn't it?
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 2:13am EDT
I used to summer at Lake Winnepausaukee.
amy r. Oct 12, 2009, 2:41am EDT
Not at all far from where I used to live, up in Sanbornville. I went to school in Maine. I drove a half hour every day, sometimes forty minutes to my little beauty school in Maine.
Jan S. Oct 12, 2009, 12:47am EDT
What glorious, colorful photos! I love both poems - autumn love and Robert Frost! How can you not feel the glory that is Autumn?

Congratulations on being Featured at All About Autumn
amy r. Oct 12, 2009, 1:29am EDT
It sure has a presence, its definitely my favorite season. Everything changes and its very comfortable. I think its a very happy time of year for me. I always say when the air is changing, "It smells like fall!" and I think many of us can relate to that feeling.
Elizabeth O. Oct 12, 2009, 12:50am EDT
Great poem and the pictures are lovely. Streaker looks fabulous! Our autumn here isn't pretty, its usually picturesque, but not this year because of all the rain we had in June and July. Allergen level is the highest its been in history. Hopefully with the cold snap we are supposed to have this week, we will all breathe better.
amy r. Oct 12, 2009, 1:29am EDT
I know my allergies have been a little better, this is really the only season where its not sinuses or allergies for me and I love it!
Marinela Kotsina Oct 12, 2009, 1:49am EDT
All are beautiful but the 1st made a huge impression on me. That old tree standing out there and sharing its beauty with us. I also loved the way houses are - so different from what we have in my part of the world.
Kathryn E. Oct 12, 2009, 1:50am EDT
the photos are incredible.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 2:15am EDT
BTW: The Pear Tree, it's on my front lawn!
Tracy Fabre Oct 12, 2009, 2:19am EDT
A beautiful assortment of photos to go with your poetry, yessir.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:38pm EDT
Thank you Tracy. Hey, that girl below you, we went to Jr High & High Scool together. Neat huh?
Melinda Gallant Oct 12, 2009, 6:08am EDT
Very beautifully written my friend, and the pictures are awesome as well. A man I thought I knew from childhood days has yet shown me another side of himself, Thank you for sharing with me and extending a much needed helpful hand. Hope to see you very soon, your sister in spirit,,....Mindy
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:40pm EDT
Mindy meet Gather World. Gather World meet Mindy.

Mindy was a classmate of mine through Jr High and High School. Y'all really should have seen her hair back then. LMAO (with affection Mindy). So, so good to see you again. You know where I am.....
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:42pm EDT
I know Mindy, I know; at least you HAVE hair......
(Jasper,(Disciple for Christ. w. Oct 12, 2009, 7:21am EDT
Robert I rate you as a expert, with your writing and Photographs also. Have a beautiful.
Sandi S. Oct 12, 2009, 9:11am EDT
A gorgeous and spectacular post, Robert!

A lovely way you have with words... and an expert with the camera, too.
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:43pm EDT
tis just stringing words together and moving a viewfinder around; until the compositions are right. Thank you for your gracious comment.
gorgeous prose~ and exquisite pictures~ so very vibrant and alive!!!~
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:44pm EDT
Thanks Purrrr...........

And for now on I am avoiding GWI (gathering while intoxicated - never did get to see what I left on Kentucky's pings that night)
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Oct 12, 2009, 10:49am EDT
Well, if I wasn't in the mood for Fall Robert, this certainly helped move me along.

Thanks so much for sharing with my group.
Robert (and Streaker),

What a beautiful part of the country-side you're in at least for now. The poems are beautiful and I cannot make up my mind whether they're my favorite of your photos are. Mine do not come out like that, but of course here (CT), with the wind, frosts and rain, it's hard to find them
Streaker looks happy...

Featured in Gather Writing Essentials, Monday.


Marilyn
Sandre M. Oct 12, 2009, 12:47pm EDT
Beautiful words and some GORGEOUS images. Thanks, Robert, for sharing both.
Richard B. Oct 12, 2009, 12:47pm EDT
those are very nice and well written, thanks for passing them on.

Great photos also
Korak 257 Oct 12, 2009, 1:16pm EDT
Hey, you know how to entertain someone....love the ride. I do not know what class to put you in..writer, poet or one hell of an entertainer....kool
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:47pm EDT
oh, just cowboy werewolf poet and photographer will do.

Thanks Korak.
Korak 257 Oct 12, 2009, 1:55pm EDT
man ,i knew i forgot something..photos.....yeah.
only a full moon gets you to write poetry ? or is that when we need to look out our backdoors..lol
thank you.
Barbara B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:30pm EDT
I thank you so much my dear friends Robert and Streaker for taking
me on this journey through your neck of the woods, very beautiful.
Lovely poetry, you do have a way with words Robert. *smiles*

Hugs n Love, Barbie
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 1:48pm EDT
Barb, sometimes I think you and I should have been born the same time; and next door to one another. It would have been an adventure. Thanks for stopping by my friend.
Angela A. Oct 12, 2009, 1:49pm EDT
Very lovely autumn post dear friend! I'm glad to see that Streaker is enjoying the outdoors and is able to pose some.
Thanks for posting to my group, Anythingwriting
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 2:16pm EDT
THERE IS A HARVEST
©1999 Robert Charles Burnham

There is a Harvest to be gathered
There are many rows to hoe
From high up on the mountaintop
To the deepest valleys below
Within every nation where man exists
Evil needs to be undone
For many people still walk the earth
With no knowledge of The Son

There is a Harvest yet to be complete
Before we can lay down our arms
We must push the Devil into retreat
And preach the Gospel and the Psalms
It takes more than a David or a John
Though both their hearts were true
It takes all men and women of Christianity
To ensure that the message gets through

There is a Harvest and its time is now
Before Satan burns the field
It is our loved ones among the crops
Who the Devil aims to steal
Pick up your hearts and preach His Word
For we are God's chosen crew
Because the Harvest is so very plentiful
And the workers are so very few
Sharon P. Oct 12, 2009, 4:38pm EDT
The flaming colors light up the heart.
The chill that nips the air but makes us smile.
It must be autumn, and beauty abounds everywhere.
For God has painted beauty on the land.

Wonderful combination of pictures and poems Robert.
Thank you.
Trish A. Oct 12, 2009, 5:12pm EDT
The richness of your words match the images you shared.
Chas Andrews Oct 12, 2009, 6:00pm EDT
nicely done post
Dawn (fly on the wall) Oct 12, 2009, 8:03pm EDT
Ich liebe dich bruder Robert. pea 1. =) du bist an poet
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 8:38pm EDT
whyere's that mail? not earthlink? I'll check Gather in a couple mins.
Richard Lynn Livesay Oct 12, 2009, 8:19pm EDT
Roberto! I am working on a Cosmic collage...putting 4 hikers + 1 in my pen & ink(guess who?)...and need to ok a place with Kushal that we might co-poem abt fox,cat,rooster and monkey

Hi, princess purrrr...das is papa crazy again!!
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 8:36pm EDT
Richard, you need to stop calling me princess. lol

Talk with Kushal and let him know the fox is ready but I am a rookie at corroborated cosmic collages. Need some super duper Gerber peas for my first step.
Randi Burnham-Brown Oct 12, 2009, 9:26pm EDT
Such a beautiful town and surrounding area. Makes me homesick. Fall is my favorite season but not here in the south. I don't like living in the south, as yu know and you put up all these beautioful pictures of a nice little town. By the way the poems are good. You didn't tell me you got drunk last night. Pitiful!
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 9:39pm EDT
just finished the bottle so it would be gone. the drain didn't want it.

no more GWI though (Gathering While Intoxicated)
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 12, 2009, 9:42pm EDT
Pretty yes, but Le Roy is basically just a two-road town (Rt 5 and Rt 19; I live on 19)
John Philipp Oct 12, 2009, 10:45pm EDT
Wonderful photos and wonderful poetry.

Thanks, Robert.
(The Other) Dale C. Oct 13, 2009, 12:12am EDT
Very nice group of photos Robert!! Truly enjoyed all the beautiful and scenic shots. Also enjoyed seeing the pup-dog out and about, without leg restraints.
ann c. Oct 13, 2009, 4:43pm EDT
Enjoyed the whole article. Streaker is looking good.
Jerry Kays Oct 13, 2009, 5:37pm EDT
:-)
Elizabeth R. Oct 14, 2009, 2:18am EDT
Beautiful poems, Robert, and I love every photo. Streaker is beautiful and so lucky to be in your care.

Dianna is a special friend and it's wonderful that this is dedicated to her.
Rick McGirr Oct 14, 2009, 2:31am EDT
Robert, thanks for the opportunity to get acquainted with your poetry. I liked this one very much. I've sadly spent most of my time complaining and arguing on Gather, but I have added a bit of verse. I wouldn't be surprised if it's all in the ancient archives by now, but it used to be available at my profile (rickrocks)

Anyway, I'm glad your dog survived that horrible fall, and I wish you both the best.

Every year about this time I like to go to Canada to hang with friends during Canadian Thanksgiving. About 250 mi. north of Buffalo is an intensely beautiful place to be in fall. I'll post some pics I took if I can figure out how.
Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2009, 7:44pm EDT
What a wonderful photo essay and poetry! I am so glad that I stopped by to see and read this today!

I hope that you and Streaker are doing great! :)
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 14, 2009, 10:05pm EDT
Streaker says hello E.
Jessica K. Oct 14, 2009, 8:56pm EDT
I am almost crying. Beautiful isn't the word. Autumn is my favorite season, and nature is my home, and this poetry/photo collection is wonderful. I love the dog photos; the dog really adds to the story of the picture, adds life and wonder...
Robert - just a simple man - B. Oct 14, 2009, 10:05pm EDT
Thank you Jessica for enjoying this so. I will honor your friend request.
Allen H. Oct 17, 2009, 1:54am EDT
I loved the Poem and the Photos too.
I've never been to New England
and I will probably never go
Life's too short to visit every land

Your town of LeRoy - it looks a lot like Smallville
With Kryptonite Pumpkins driving tractors still
Stephen King movies look a bit like this
Le Roy is French for King: you rebel, and then you miss?
Sharon B. Oct 22, 2009, 8:35pm EDT
I have over 10,000 e-mails....so please bear with the generic comment... thanks for sharing
Rachel W. Oct 23, 2009, 10:41am EDT
Very nice Robert.
Dee Leh Oct 25, 2009, 10:12am EDT
You're such a good poet. Beautiful pictures too.

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