This morning, the first true morning of the official fall season: two September poems by Linda Pastan, the former poet laureate of my own state, Maryland. What do they draw from you?
I love the way she captures the suspension of September in the first poem: the way we are reaching for (or withdrawing from) a season not-yet-arrived. September still feels like summer — it still is, technically, summer — for much of the month, and yet we know the colder, darker weft is coming.
In the second poem, I’m struck by the way Pastan elides the personal with the seasonal: a change — a conflict! — has taken place in the speaker’s dreamscape, and the speaker recognizes its aftermath in the lawn of her real life. Isn’t that true? The way we find resonance between our inner worlds and our outer ones?
What did you notice in these poems?
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Pastan has a gorgeous 12-part poetic meditation titled “The Months,” from which the first “September” poem above was taken; each section confronts a different month of the year. I wrote just yesterday about “a year of…” and it occurred to me it might be soothing, or illuminating, or accommodating mini-ritual to read the relevant section of her poem at the beginning of each month.
Post-Scripts.
+Another September poem I love by another female American poet legend: this deceptively complex sestina that knocks me off my feet.
+The English discipline and the great “or maybes.”
Shopping Break.
+I feel like fall is Sezane’s signature season. They always release the most gorgeous outerwear and knits. I’m loving this under-$250 fair isle, this mustard scoat (scarf coat), these suede boots, and this cord skirt.
+These are a really good rainy-fall-weather boot. They are suede but waterproof and under $200. I own these and found they filled a major void in my wardrobe last year. The material is a tad stiff when you first get them out of the box but they do soften with wear.
+Another really good rainy weather fall boot: these Freda Salvadors. They are actually going on private sale today at 11 am EST with code FREDAFAMILY. I own and love these boots, though I did find them a little tricky to figure out how to style at first. I like them best with a wide-leg cropped jean, but it has to hit at the perfect height so that the hem of the jean almost half-tucks into/grazes the top of the boot. I do also like them with a full airy skirt. Tow other Freda Salvadors I love that will also be included in today’s sale: these perfect suede loafers and these square-toe ballet flats! 20% off with code FREDAFAMILY starting at 11 am EST!
+CHIC rich paisley knit to tuck into a full (faux-)leather, denim, or suede skirt. Or the aforementioned Sezane cord skirt!
+These inexpensive masks are SO GOOD. I like to apply just after a shower and leave on for 30-45 minutes.
+Love a denim midi skirt for this season. Pair with a cute chunky knit or simple turtleneck and bold belt! Two other options I love: this LR and this $49 steal.
+While you’re at Old Navy: this sherpa vest! Cute over a fall floral blouse.
+Speaking of fall florals: this top! Tucked into these jeans!
+The fringe on this dress is perfect.
+Love this head-to-toe burgundy trouser look.
+Rollneck sweaters in great striped options.
+Spectacular new arrivals at Net-A-Porter: this gemstone button knit, this leather mini, this belted plaid jacket.
+Fellow fans of Dr. Whitney Bowe (I use her Vitamin C serum daily) might be interested in her brand-new peptide and hyaluronic acid serum meant to boost collagen production and hydration. I was drawn to this skincare brand because Dr. Bowe is a practicing dermatologist, and she focuses on aging skin; these are products designed for me!
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