Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Summer Salutation


The approaching autumnal equinox marks the beginning of fall, and daylight equal to dark hours. This is typically a time to celebrate the summer bounty, though some say it is a time of grieving as summer ends and preparations are made for winter. The autumn equinox initiates a time to prepare a slower pace, space to rest and reflect. 




On a goldfinch’s wing,
memory of spring.

Yellow wingstem,
swollen grape,
dropping buckeye,
sated snake.

A bed made,
the table set.
Eat.
Gorge.
Regret.

What was sown, 
we reap.
Golden wheat. 
Soon sleep.

With frost 
and rot
our ready nest, 
on our dream’s fledgling’s 
place bets.

Hope.
Pray.
A fruitful season 
of decay.

Later we will stir, 
to days heavier 
than night.
Until then 
we grieve.
Mourn.
Save seed.

Again
we will rise 
with the fiddle head, 
the hungry hive.

Hush.
Listen.
A burial is near.

Our seen breath.
Death.
Welcome guest.
Lay with me 
and 
us rest.