Sunday, September 9, 2012

Poetics: Autumn for The Stork


Autumn for The Stork
          (to the tune of Autumn in New York, with apologies to the composer)

Autumn for The Stork
It always seems so exciting
Autumn for The Stork
Who cares if they were first-nighting?

Romantic girl gave bedtime a whirl
One early spring night
Her willpower came
– Undone

It’s autumn for The Stork
He flies to them their newborn love
Autumn for The Stork
Is such a bittersweet dance

They had wandering hands
Dreaming of days on white sands
Now it’s autumn for The Stork
No time to be in a trance

This autumn for The Stork
He finds their flat in uptown south
Autumn for The Stork
He drops the bundle from his mouth

Party girls and metrosexuals
Uncoupled and free
The Stork’s not on
Their radar

But autumn for The Stork
Transforms some pairs into parents
Autumn for The Stork
He flies to New York from France

More loves will bless the dark
Making their own special spark
Thus autumn for The Stork
Is such a bittersweet dance



Written for Poetics — Autumn Chill is in the Air  — at dVerse Poets hosted this week by the multi-talented Mary Kling. When I saw her prompt to write a poem about autumn, the song Autumn in New York would not allow any other considerations inside my head. I decided to just go with the musical flow and create my own quirky version of the lyrics.

There are so many different artist's versions of Autumn in New York. (The lyrics also have been varied by these artists, and I'm posting Billie Holiday's version at the end.) 
I love this newer rendition of the song....



Autumn in New York -
Words and music by Vernon Duke (1934)

Autumn in New York
Why does it seem so inviting
Autumn in New York
It spells the thrill of first-nighting

Glittering crowds and shimmering clouds
In canyons of steel
They're making me feel
I'm home

It's autumn in New York
That brings the promise of new love
Autumn in New York
Is often mingled with pain

Dreamers with empty hands
May sigh for exotic lands
It's autumn in New York
It's good to live it again

Autumn in New York
The gleaming rooftops at sundown
Autumn in New York
It lifts you up when you're rundown

Jaded roués and gay divorcés
Who lunch at the Ritz
Will tell you that
It's divine

This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair
Autumn in New York
You'll need no castle in Spain

Lovers that bless the dark
On benches in Central Park
Greet Autumn in New York
It's good to live it again




Image from: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online Catalog

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9 comments:

Fireblossom said...

I love what you did with this, girl. I'm smiling away, despite the rather cautionary nature of the piece.

I often find September to be a melancholy time of year. But, so far so good, this year.

Mary said...

This is a very clever poem to the autumn prompt, Lydia. Good that the stork is busy this time of year all over the world. (along with all the squirrels I see here burying their wares!)

Brian Miller said...

what an intriguing take on the prompt...and i can relate...i have both boys birthdays this month...ha...count back it is dang winter chill that really is the blame...smiles...and those with it not on the radar that will get it anyway, i feel for them knowing ht ehard road ahead...

Rob-bear said...

Well, that was fun!

But not just in New York.

mythopolis said...

The stork brought me on July 26. But it was 68 years ago. I wish I could remember flying to my parent's house, but at my age, I can't remember what I did yesterday.

ds said...

Ha ha, Lydia! Love this. Have a late-summer baby, so I guess that means I'm guilty ; ) Still, the cautionary point is well taken. Thank you.
Oh, and the rendition of the song you posted is beautiful.

Lydia said...

Fireblossom~ Wow, I'm late in replying to comments. Sorry, too, because I loved yours (and am glad that it is a good September).

Mary~ Thank you for the great prompt! Wow, squirrels in your area are already busy burying.....we saw baby squirrels running around a neighbor's tree last week, which seemed very weird!

Brian~ It may be a hard road but you seem to me to exemplify the idea of Dad. Good luck with two birthdays this month!!

Rob-bear~ No? Where else? (just kidding.)

mythopolis~ You have the spirit of a 28 year old, my friend, and I apologize for not knowing your birthday was in July - so happy belated.

ds~ Thank you! And thanks for your appreciation of the rendition. I was quite taken by it so read more about the duo and their recording(s).

G-Man said...

Lydia...?
Loved your poem!
Missed you last Friday.
G

Lydia said...

G-Man~ I missed you last Friday too. I have been a bit disorganized lately. Actually, a lot. I will see you this Friday (and I so appreciate your visit!).

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