Anatoliy Misuik, Autumn Breath, 2022, Lviv Ukraine
The morning air
clean and slight crisp.
The golden orb
slower to rise.
This third season
closes what has been amassed
with a serene gratitude.
Gentle and as abundantly as the falling leaves.
Yet opens the door
to reflection and consolidation,
giving rise to fortitude
needed to step into the shorter darker days.
Maturing beauty surrounds
with swaying wheat bushels.
Rich solid gourds and pumpkins
adorning doorsteps and mantles.
Summer fruits dwindle,
as hearty fall veggies
gathered for soups and stews
await crusty bread dipping.
This the season
of closing in onto the self.
Comforting for some.
Frightful for others.
For your own autumn’s coming,
collect the savoring of memories
rich and robust for growing closer
to your inner core.
As this, your core, will never dwindle
decay and dissolve.
And as you await your winter
fear not the cold or isolation.
But welcome the comfort,
Companionship
of that which you has seen you through
each and all of your seasons.