In celebration of the changing season, I decided to write an entry for the 2020 Fall Writing Frenzy hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez and Lydia Lukidis. Thanks to the entire Children’s Literature Community for your encouragement and support.
Autumn
by Bonnie Kelso
The path to Preston’s art studio
is a narrow ribbon of dirt weaving between
blackberry bushes and pine trees.
Wide-eyed cats stare
as curious neighborhood dogs
push wet noses into my empty hands.
Finally,
the crooked house by the creek.
I walk inside,
welcomed by the scent
of sawdust and paint.
On the pegboard hangs folded art paper,
printed leaves,
familiar,
but at the same time,
different.
In the corner is her name,
not mine.
Autumn
All these weeks,
I thought I was the only student.
I never realized how special it felt to be here,
until now.
Have I been replaced?
Who is Autumn?
Is she clever?
Pretty as a scarlet maple leaf?
I feel like the dry crumpled one,
smothered and crushed
between sheets of fresh paper.
Tossed aside.
Forgotten.
“Hi, Summer!” Preston says cheerfully,
“Come meet my new student.”
It’s her!
She is vibrant and full of artistic promise.
Tears well up in my eyes.
As I turn to leave,
she grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.
“Friends?” she asks.
I am pulled to the table next to her.
Our hands slide into the gooey golden paint
and I feel special again.
Bonnie Kelso 
The end of summer has always been sad for me, I love the heat, the freedom the activities but you have shown that there can be joy in autumn! Poignant but joyful at the same time. The symbolism of the names is a nice touch that makes it all complete.
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Thanks, mom!
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Beautiful!
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Thank you.
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Beautiful work Bonnie! I’m impressed that you are becoming so eclectic with your writing. Good Luck with the contest.
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Thank you, Vasilia!
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Wow! You brought me right into that art studio-in-the-woods. . . and delivered the gift of a surprise ending.
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Thank you so much for your kind words!
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Bonnie, I LOVE the imagery! I felt like I was right there with Summer. And what a sweet story as well. Great work!
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Thank you, Meghan, for your kind support.
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Your sensory details and description paint a lovely picture, drawing us deep into the heart of story, while you portray Summer’s concerns with such empathy, ingeniously allaying her fears (and ours) with your heart-tugging, hand-squeezing ending. @AnneLipton
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Awww, thank you, Anne!
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Love the personification of the seasons and the imagery has me feeling as if I’m walking out down the paths to the studio myself. Lovely story! It’s alright Summer, there’s room for both.
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Thank you, Heather! Yes, there’s room for all of us. 💕
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Thank you for sharing this hauntingly beautiful take on the seasons. The imagery is wonderful!
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Thank you, Kaitlyn!
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Stunningly beautiful! We’ll deserved selection for Fall writing frenzy!
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Thank you, Aundra!
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