Surviving Autumn

 "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
- Robert Frost -

[*Photo: All rights reserved*]

I've decided to put my thoughts and feelings into words:

"Surviving Autumn"

Crimson leaves brush the pavement as I sleep

It's easier to dream that this hardship will sail away

As the scent of summer still lingers near

I wrap a blanket of memories around me

Tuck it under my chin, where the warmth will stay

Those endless days of eternal sunlight

Cast shadows of exhilaration, of love and life

A sidewalk captures happiness in its purest form

An imprint of God's most perfect blessing

Manifested in every smile, laugh, and fleck of light

But I can hear the leaves crunch beneath my soles

Feel the wind pick up speed to match my racing heart

A frozen landscape stops me in my tracks

The absence of color drains my own

Like snowflakes, we drift...

And drift...

And seem to fall apart

Yet one morning these sheets of ice melt away

We brave winter storms and overcast skies

This erosion of earth won't wear down our souls

As the sun yawns and stretches

I feel compelled to rise

A cleansing renewal pours down from the clouds

Hushed symphonies accompanied by a whispering breeze

Reminding me of the hardship I've looked in the eye

So I choose to dance in these puddles

To soak up His relief

Petals open, taking in their first breath

An inhalation of hope to overcome yesterday's frost 

The right moment to grow with measured beauty and grace 

To revitalize my faith 

Just as I began to feel lost

So we keep on growing, you and I

And from our hope, life springs forth 

We hold on with immense conviction

As clay is molded and shaped

These two hearts take on a new form
And oh, how dew glistens after snow has passed 
How June shines brighter after January's touch
Our patience breaks through these chains
To feel alive, to embrace

The lovely, breathtaking creation of us.