October

October

Embrace October
hold it close to your breast
welcome its presence into your life
do not dread the chill in the air
the falling of leaves, the losses borne
the shadow of death on the horizon.

Death is not yet, death is not yet.

Embrace October
appreciate the gifts it brings
the new beauty, the fresh outlook
a time of love and reflection.
Slow down to look again
at what is important and true.

You'll feel it yet, you'll feel it yet.

Embrace October
with all its contradictions
possible alongside impossible
not looking back, nor far ahead.
Live today with October's bounty
know you have only this day.

You have it yet, you have it yet.


I am sharing this poem from 2013 in today's Poetry Pantry.   It feels apt and important.  It is still October.  We all have this day to enjoy.  Only this day! Today!  You have it yet.  I wish each of you well today and all the todays ahead of you.

All Saints Day

All Saints Day

Light a candle for those who have died
for loved ones who have gone before
we all travel the same path
and sometimes I like to think
that those who have gone before
may light candles for us too
on the other side of the great divide.

This is one from 2014, but it remains a significant poem for me. All Saints Day occurs almost the same time as Halloween.  I am thinking at this moment of all those saints who have gone before.  Posted in Poetry Pantry.

If Only

-------------------

If Only


I always hope for happy endings
           in life or movies or books

someone lives happily ever after
evil punished, good rewarded
tornado doesn't touch ground

trapped miners rescued
bomb does not detonate
most qualified promoted

good deeds recognized
drowning man revived
everyone safe at home

friend a friend forever
families live in peace
every disease a cure

best candidate wins
prayer answered
brakes take hold

depression lifted
sick child healed
lost child found

gun unloaded
plane lands
wars end

every problem has a solution
                   if only it were so.

For Poets United Poetry Pantry

I continue to wax nostalgic.  This poem of mine was first posted in Poetry Pantry #6.  Nothing has changed since then.  If anyone wants to continue to communicate with me via email after I am no longer part of Poets United's staff at the end of October, please do let me know.  Either email me or leave your email address with me below.