Many recall memories of cold nights wrapped in an afghan with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and the latest mystery novel. Others reminisce about a painted landscape as fall colors are splashed about the trees and deep blankets of fallen leaves coat the ground. Such poem verses paint vivid pictures of a poet's environment and experience.

The Cayuga Museum will be welcoming poets to tell such tales of blistering winters or fresh fall jaunts or whatever the poet can conjure for the Fall Poetry Reading that will welcome in the new season.

“It's a seasonal thing,” museum director Eileen McHugh said. “We hold it twice a year. In the spring, they write about rebirth and snow melting, in the fall, most write about cold nights and falling leaves.”

Friday night's readings will be the prelude to the fall readings, and McHugh explained that given time audience members will also be able to stand up and read their poems without having to register. The event consists of local poets gathered by the museum through fliers and press releases.

“It's sort of an open mic night,” McHugh said, “where they call and let us know if they want to read.”

The evening will also, for the first time, play host to a drop box for cold-weather clothing supported and organized by I.G.N.I.T.E.

The program is co-produced by the museum and the Writers Voice Program of the Auburn YMCA. Refreshments will be available during the readings.

Staff writer Beth Noyes can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 252 or beth.noyes@lee.net

If you go

What: Fall Poetry Reading

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19

Where: Cayuga Museum of History and Art, 203 Genesee St., Auburn

Cost: Free

For details: Call 253-8051