September Says (in memoriam)
it follows, but perhaps it leads—
a season beneath a season,
the after-summer
and before fall tumbles into darkness.
Now shadows dance in spotlights,
and green branches are tipped with gold,
gardens are filled with flowers that know
the secrets of bees–
wisely they shake heads dyed indigo, gold,
and scarlet—it is a bird Eden, a squirrel pantry–
and if the river asks,
you breath in its blue mystery,
taste its layers, as it unfolds time
like a peony, seed to dust again and again.
My poem from the Oracle, who knows everything. She knows how beautiful September is right now in my part of the world. She also must know that yesterday I heard from my cousins that their mother, my aunt (my mother’s sister-in-law) had died the night before. It made me think about how my mom had died in April when the sky was also bright blue, and the spring flowers were blooming. So, this is not exactly a tribute to my aunt—but in her memory, a reflection of sorts on life and death and beauty.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
A moving elegy to the passing of the season and life, as it must. Please accept my condolences on the death of your aunt.
Thank you very much, Liz. 💙
You’re welcome, Merril.
This is full of emotion. It made me think of how deeply and unexpectedly I felt my uncle and aunt’s passing last year–the last of that generation in my family. My condolences.
We are all thinking of time. As the changing of the seasons requires. (K)
Thank you so much. It’s weird how when one starts writing–especially from the Oracle, and then you realize you’re really writing about something else or something more.
That’s lovely, beautiful in the way sad things are. I’m glad you are able to pick out that beauty and turn it into good memories. It’s such a rich, colourful picture you paint too.
Thank you so much, Jane.
It started out as simply being about September, but became something else.
That’s what poetry should do, I think.
Yes, I think so. Sometimes the process of writing unlocks something inside.
Yes, and the descriptive become just one element, not the whole meaning.
Yes, exactly. 🙂
Lovely dear Merril!
Thank you, Rene!
I’m sorry for your loss, Merril.
We may always be in a time of what-is and what-will-not-be, but the equinox can be a time of suspenseful potential.
Thank you, Ken. That’s so true.
I am sorry for your loss! Love the line about the river…very moving.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Linda!
Sorry for your loss Merril. You have done justice to the beauty of September with your words!
Thank you so much, Ingrid!
This is truly lovely and perfectly describes September – the most in-between month, in my opinion.
It is lovely that the Oracle knew to turn it slightly so that you could incorporate your loss, for which I offer you my condolences.
Thank you so much, Dale. You can see how behind I am in responding, but I do appreciate your comment–as always!
Yes, I think you’re right about September. It pretty reliably has aspects of summer and fall.
Oh please. I get so far behind regularly 😉
It really is. 🙂
😊
My condolences to you and your family . . . what a bittersweet remembrance, elegiac, in fact.
Thank you very much, Marian. I appreciate your kind words.
A wonderful evocation of the month reflecting the fading atmosphere and the golden spotlights of the painting; analogous to the lifespans and deaths of those you remember.
Thank you very much, Derrick. 💙
Thank you for sharing the beauty of September in your part of the world, Merril. I am sure it is as beautiful as your verse. Your words tinged with sadness bring home the fact that beauty like life is fragile.
Please accept my condolences.
I’m sorry to hear about your aunt. Autumn is a season of saying good bye, I think. Your poem and your news remind me to reflect on that and what it means when a story comes to a close.
Thank you so much, Claudia. I’m pleased my words made you reflect.
A brilliant and moving poem, by you and the Oracle.
The painting is luscious gorgeous. Thank you, Merril.
It’s always sad to hear about losing loved ones. Condolences! 💙
Thank you very much, Resa. I truly appreciate your kind words. 💙
The painting is kind of luscious. 😊
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