Samhain (SOW-in)

I feel the pull of autumn
A slow downward spiral to shorter days and
Longer shadows
As the closest star’s rays are now angled to the south

The anticipated gray gloom is
Countered by warm thoughts amid
A wooden palate of red
Orange
Yellow
Brown

Hearth fires burn
As embers lift the spirit
And the mind rests
Sleeps
Dreams
As in ancient times
Loved ones appear
The chill of their bones
Is replaced by the
Warmth of love remembered
Reassured
A soft gentle kiss
And Samhain night becomes day

Dreams cease
Dawn breaks
Loss and love are intertwined
Perseverance
Provides the strength to rise and
Face the pull of autumn
The slow downward spiral to
Shorter days
And the hope that is reborn in the spring

Paul Cech has been writing poetry since 1970. Several of his poems have been published as Saturday Poems in the Pittsburgh- Post Gazette and the Thomas Merton Center of Pittsburgh has published several of his poems in NewPeople. Read other articles by Paul.