Credit: Jim Hester

Toward the end of October, we had a sweet writing circle in which we reflected on the subtle changes that occur as Autumn unfolds. The prompts included what is being asked of that which is changing; or what is being let go and what is becoming in this season of change? Women chose a wide variety of ways into the writing — fond memories of Halloween, the challenges of dysfunctional families at holidays, personal in-turning with the darkening season, moving testimonials of the natural world.

Yet, assembling a poem from each woman’s written lines has created a completely unique reflection filled with hope and tenderness alongside the often harsh realities of the past. The following poem is the product of lines from 15 different women’s writings:

As Autumn unfolds,
lingers
from dusk to dawn
falling off slowly,
wind weaving through what’s left.
Time to wait.

Autumn unfolds –
fat lady, geisha, lady gaga, rapper,
tootsie roll and ladybugs;
vampire, princess with a plastic pumpkin
spiders hanging off her dress;
robot, clown, zombie –
how scared their faces were
running house to house
living with the skeleton in her mother’s closet.

Autumn unfolds;
beautiful moon full and high in the sky
the memory that comes to mind.
Trees show their bony limbs.
After two hours it started to snow;
no more leaves to look at,
cover up, hide
our sweet greed.

Autumn unfolds
change for the best, not the worst.
I’m here in a different place
a more relaxed time of year
very calming for me.

Autumn unfolds,
a strange time of year;
life has changed so much
together good and bad –
still wondering about you and me
still living her mother’s fear
every year always a surprise.
Lights off, no one home
enduring the chill alone.

As autumn unfolds
we have to make changes,
take the mask off
move inside ourselves
curled around our inmost thoughts.
There’s too much to say –
things are beginning to change.
Shine in the glory of your heart
to flow me softly into my next year of life.