The Apples in My Orchard

A Blog By Carol Labuzzetta Since 2017

Poetry Friday: The Round Up is Here!

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theapplesinmyorchard

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Thanks to a reminder from Laura Purdie Salas, I am hosting Poetry Friday this week. It's all good, however, since I usually do not get my post up until Friday morning when I host.  I think it balances out all of us who get their's up on Thursday! (I'm joking, here.) Anyway, I am sorry if you feel that I'm late.

I’ll keep my post short to get the roundup going!

I wrote two poems this week. The first was because I decided I needed to chill out. A week ago, I was feeling some physical symptoms of stress. My life is good, but I definitely need to chill out.

Chill Out

Painting…
Reading…
Crocheting…
Working to 
Relieve 
Tension
In my jaw.

© Carol Labuzzetta, 2025.

And the second poem was inspired by a chance to see the Northern Lights this week. I've seen them before and certainly the show that I had two nights ago was not the show much of our region got on Tuesday night. We were socked in with cloud cover so I had to wait until Wednesday. 

Northern Lights
Are Shining Bright
Where we used to live
But not here now.

Clouds cover our sky tonight
Masking dancing colors that
Swirl out of the dark
My camera stays in my pocket.

Maybe tomorrow
I can bring it out if 
There’s green, pink, and purple
Hovering on the horizon.

© Carol Labuzzetta, 11/11/25
Northern Lights this week. © Carol Labuzzetta, 2025.

I’ll stop here and post. I’ve been busy writing more articles on Scotland, if you want to check out my Medium page. And I heard back from the textbook editorial staff at the university that they had trouble getting people to fulfill their peer review requirement for their chapters, and that is why things have been held up. I was pleased to hear it wasn’t me or my chapter!

Have a good week!

51 responses to “Poetry Friday: The Round Up is Here!”

  1. Tabatha Avatar
    Tabatha

    I hope your creative activities did help you to chill out 🙂 I talk about relaxing on my blog post today, too. I like “my camera stays in my pocket.” Thanks for hosting.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thanks, Tabatha. I am grateful for your reminder too. It was that I just saw Laura’s first. I’ll be happy to read about relaxing in your post!

      Like

      Reply
  2. Irene Latham Avatar
    Irene Latham

    Thanks for hosting…I do love those “dancing colors” !

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thank you, Irene! I hope to see more colors in the future. Last time I saw them, there was pink along with the green.

      Like

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  3. Karen Edmisten Avatar
    Karen Edmisten

    Hi, Carol — thanks for hosting! Chilling out and viewing the Northern Lights are both poem-worthy. Thanks for sharing these. (We saw some spectacular displays this week too!)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thank you Karen. I am a intense, driven individual and frequently need to remind myself to relax. The crochet is helping. Did you see more colors than green in your aurora?

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      1. Karen Edmisten Avatar
        Karen Edmisten

        My daughter recently took up crocheting and it helps her relax too.

        We saw some beautiful reds the other night!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
        theapplesinmyorchard

        Oh, reds would be great! Mainly, we’ve seen green and pink here.

        Like

  4. Laura Purdie Salas Avatar
    Laura Purdie Salas

    Dancing colors / that swirl out of the dark. LOVE that! And we got to see them Tuesday night–so lovely. Also, sorry if my nudge was rude! I didn’t realize you generally post on Friday mornings. I often don’t get to read posts until later Friday or over the weekend. Apologies for rushing you! Thank you for hosting! xo

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thanks, Laura. I think I’ll work more on that poem. There might be something in it that I can work on. The Northern Lights amaze me and I think they’re relatable. And, no, you were not rude at all. I’m very thankful you let me know I was supposed to have a post up. I have tried to be better with hosting on Thursday nights but I just cannot seem to do it as regularly as a Friday morning. Again, thank you!

      Like

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  5. rosecappelli Avatar
    rosecappelli

    Thanks for hosting, Carol. I hope those lights helped you chill. Sadly, I wasn’t able to catch a glimpse in my area, although others near me did. Maybe they’ll come round again. Both of your poems are a reminder that there is peace in nature.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thanks, Rose. I think it is disappointing when others can see what we don’t – in many ways! I just finished Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible and that was kind of a theme with that book too. Nature and natural events do have a soothing effect on me.

      Like

      Reply
  6. jama Avatar
    jama

    I think most of us can relate to the stress thing. Poetry — whether reading or writing it, is a great way to chill out. Saw some gorgeous Northern Lights pics on social media (sadly we couldn’t view any of it in our area). Thanks for hosting this week!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. jama Avatar
      jama

      P.S. Have had trouble accessing this site — both Firefox and Safari claim they can’t make a secure connection so won’t connect me. Finally able to get here via Chrome. Wondered if I was the only one with this issue . . .

      Like

      Reply
      1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
        theapplesinmyorchard

        Hi Jama, I’m sorry you continue to have problems with my blog. I think we went through this 1-2 months ago and did determine it was a browser issue. I have not had any recent reports of others having issues with access. Thanks for your persistence. I have looked into it and cannot find anything on my end. Thanks for letting me know.

        Like

    2. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Hi Jama, You are right about everyone relating to stress right now. There are so many things going on to cause it. My stress is more of a personal nature right now – really, self-imposed. And because of that, it might be (and I think it is) more easily solved or reduced.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Denise Krebs Avatar
    Denise Krebs

    Carol, here’s to chilling out and experiencing peace in nurturing hobbies and nature. I’m glad you got a look at the northern lights the next night! Lovely poem about them.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Hi Denise! Thank you! I am focusing on relaxing and not taking things too seriously right now. Nature helps to refocus my life, it often has. I have been meaning to tell you that the bag you sent me as part of a poetry exchange several years ago, has now been to Scotland too. I had my husband take a photo of me outside of St. Giles Cathedral. I’ll send it to you went I have a chance.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Denise Krebs Avatar
        Denise Krebs

        That’s so awesome, Carol. I kept one for myself and carry it everywhere I go. It has saved many a shopping bag! I’ll look forward to seeing the photo.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
        theapplesinmyorchard

        It is an awesome bag, Denise. Most shop owners are shocked that I brought my own! I makes me happy and proud.

        Like

  8. [review] Wisdom of the Woods by Rachel Piercey and Freya Hartas | Jama's Alphabet Soup Avatar
    [review] Wisdom of the Woods by Rachel Piercey and Freya Hartas | Jama's Alphabet Soup

    […] and talented Carol Labuzzetta is hosting the Roundup at The Apples in My Orchard. Stop by and check out the full menu of poetic goodness being served up around the blogosphere this […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Mona Voelkel Avatar
    Mona Voelkel

    Love how “Masking dancing colors that/ Swirl out of the dark” creates such a gorgeous image! One day I hope to see the Northern Lights in person but for now, thank you for this poem and photo!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Hi Mona, Thank you so much for your kind words about the Northern Lights poem. I am going to work on it further – it might be the beginning of something I can send for publication. I hope you get to see the Aurora too. It is humbling to see such beauty.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. maryleehahn Avatar
    maryleehahn

    Thanks for hosting us this week. I always have to put several reminders in my calendar after I sign up to host so that I make sure I remember!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Ha! Yes, Mary Lee, I needed to do that, obviously. I just had it in my head it wasn’t until December. Google Calander, or at least my home calander for sure, next time!

      Like

      Reply
  11. Poetry Friday: Poem to Remind Myself | Reflections on the Teche Avatar
    Poetry Friday: Poem to Remind Myself | Reflections on the Teche

    […] The Poetry Friday Roundup today is with Carol at The Apples in my Orchard. […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. margaretsmn Avatar
    margaretsmn

    I have not seen the Northern Lights and hope to some day. Thanks for hosting.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      HI Margaret, I remember you stating that in the past. I think it’s hard to see them when you live so far South. But, I do hope you get to experience them some day. They are gorgeous!

      Like

      Reply
  13. Matt Forrest Esenwine Avatar
    Matt Forrest Esenwine

    Thanks for hosting, Carol – those Northern Lights were beautiful, and your poem captured that!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thanks Matt! I am glad you liked the poem – the Aurora is a great inspiration!

      Like

      Reply
  14. Susan.Thomsen Avatar
    Susan.Thomsen

    Hi, Carol. Thank you for rounding up. I thought I left a comment earlier, but evidently no! The “dancing colors” of your poem and your photo are as close as I came to seeing the Northern Lights. I think they were visible here one night, but I didn’t know to look.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thank you Susan, I’m glad you liked the post and poem. I follow the lights on an aurora app that is on my phone. It’s been helpful!

      Like

      Reply
  15. tee+d Avatar
    tee+d

    Ooh, this was a bonus post – I got to go back and read all of your Medium posts as well. I lived in Scotland for five years (and never took a sleeper car, I did that on Amtrak and forever after opted to just use the comfy seats and sleep sitting up – I’m so sorry that you learned the way you did, and I was pretty sorry for myself on Amtrak) and really learned to love the trains. Someday I plan to go on a hiking trip in the wild as you did as well – you’re an inspiration, through travel joys and disappointments. Meanwhile, it’s such a hoot that those of us who have traveled to see the Aurora, with varied success, just have it pop up at home, ‘swirling out of the dark’ at us! That’s such a lovely photograph as well.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Tanita, I cannot seem to access your blog to comment. I tried signing in and it still doesn’t let me. I wanted to let you know that I feel that I feel the same about memes and struggle to connect with them. I think you did a great job with your doggie meme poem. I also enjoy (always) reading about process. Thanks. Let me know if you figure out how I can access your blog.

      Like

      Reply
  16. Michelle Kogan Art, Illustration, & Writing Avatar
    Michelle Kogan Art, Illustration, & Writing

    Nice poem and Northern lights pic, we didn’t see any here in Chicago, perhaps I was out too late… Though I did see them years ago in Maine and they’re still shining brightly! Here’s to more chill activities— Thanks for hosting Carol!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thank you Michelle. We have a good spot for viewing, away from most lights over the lake but to see them in Maine would be awesome! I can just imagine how great that was!

      Like

      Reply
  17. PF: A different sort of blessing | Nix the comfort zone

    […] This week’s Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Carol at her blog, The Apples in My Orchard. […]

    Like

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  18. mbhmaine Avatar
    mbhmaine

    I hope you have had a chance to relax. It’s funny how we all keep our stress in different places, isn’t it? I’m a shoulder, rather than a jaw, type. I stepped outside the other night, but there were no lights in view. I was too tired to try again later. How lucky you are to have a vista with water! Thanks for hosting this week.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Molly, it is interesting. I used to keep my stress in my left shoulder and was so bad at one point I had to have physical therapy for it. Now it seems to center in my jaw. I hope you get to see the aurora soon! Thanks.

      Like

      Reply
  19. Alan j Wright Avatar
    Alan j Wright

    Poetry has so many dimensions, Carol. This time you used it to soothe and becalm your worldly thoughts, How good is that? Reach for the poetry for relief.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thanks, Alan! Poetry does have many uses. I have been inspired to write it again, lately. Perhaps that is because it can be calming. You made a good point with your comment!

      Like

      Reply
  20. PrincessCrystalSays Avatar
    PrincessCrystalSays

    What an amazing blog post. It is nice meeting you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thank you so much!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. PrincessCrystalSays Avatar
        PrincessCrystalSays

        You are so welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  21. NEERAJ SINGH Avatar
    NEERAJ SINGH

    very beautifull 👌

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Doida Avatar
    Doida

    I read this as a poem of hope—the time will come, but for now, clouds obscure what may be ahead… Thanks for hosting!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      That’s a great interpretation. Thank you!

      Like

      Reply
  23. Linda Mitchell Avatar
    Linda Mitchell

    Hello Carol, thanks so much for hosting the round-up! I’m chiming in a bit late here…but better than never, I hope. Here’s to chilling out with some artistic expression. I’m all for that! And, the photograph of the Northern Lights is beautiful! It’s a good thing that camera came out of your pocket on that night. I hope you get to see them soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thanks!

      Like

      Reply
  24. thesimlux Avatar
    thesimlux

    Beautiful capture of the magic earlier this week, and then some! ✨

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. theapplesinmyorchard Avatar
      theapplesinmyorchard

      Thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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