Autumn Equinox

A poem

Here we stand at the Autumn Equinox,

A perfect balance between light and dark.

The ache of summer behind us,

And the threat of winter ahead us.

For one small moment they exist as equals,

Before the season tips towards darker months. 

Within us a growing stillness,

The need to withdraw. 

A gratitude for the summer now past,

The warm sun still kissing us 

Alongside the whisper of cooler air. 

A recognition of the bounty of harvest,

A filling up of our cup

To carry us forward. 

Here we stand. 

Knowing that there are dark nights ahead.

The bite of frosty mornings,

The inevitable endless days of rain. 

And yet, 

An understanding that this retreat from light is needed. 

A chance to let things fall with the leaves, 

A time to bundle our becoming into a parcel: 

One slipped carefully inside our heart. 

An opportunity to allow rest to overcome heavy bones. 

Here we stand at the Autumn Equinox,

Our chance to slow down

And begin to integrate our year.

We collect the pieces of our life that will carry us forward, 

And retreat, 

Knowing that the sun will always return.