no open court for the chosen

no open court for the chosen

October winds

are in closed session

months away, they are huddled

with some old maples

assigning placement

the room is chilled

as life shortens its goals

the brevity of bucket lists

as winter's strangulation hold

is imminent

and more of those we love

will be seceding from our world---

so we must enjoy their colors

while we can,

and not shed tears as their leaves

turn from green to gold

we need to enjoy our Indian summer

with them 

that final disclosure of breath

before the silence

the burning leaves

when colors that never should have mattered

are all turned to the same hue of ash

October winds

are a portal to eternity

and one day we will cling to that branch

before our final disclosure of breath

and hope no matter how we spent our spring and summer

no matter what color we turned or turned away from

that we will be forgiven and not forgotten.

erin-cilberto

8/11/18

Reviews

[Ally Monique]

Beautiful poem as always. I can relate to this since an aunt of mine recently passed- her summer was cut short and turned into an October winter. It caused me to reflect on the way I've been living and the kind of memories I'll carry when I have an autumn chill. We need to spend less time wanting and more time doing. Our seasons can go by fast after all. Love the metaphor here and I adore the last few lines. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes,exactly...more time doing, less time wanting..i hear ya...thank you, Ally.
j.

[Beccy]

You speak of what is important jacob, remind us that every moment counts, as it must.

My father is seventy two now. No age really, but he does suffer from a condition that not so long ago was untreatable, but which thankfully at this time is being held at bay by the miracle of modern medical science. We talk often, and what comes across is that he is grateful for the wisdom he has acquired and the energy he still has; and I get a sense that in the autumn of his life, he more and more believes that just as the season itself, there is rebirth to come; that winter's stranglehold is but short lived.

For me, your poem is a message of hope and love; and it makes me so grateful that we have been granted the precious gift of memory.

Beccy.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for sharing your story, Beccy...and enjoy every moment with him...sounds like you are.
read morethank you for sharing your story, Beccy...and enjoy every moment with him...sounds like you are.
j.

[Neville]

Having read these fine words jacob, I initially found and felt them to be full of sadness. Indeed, I myself, for a moment or two, felt rather sad.... though on subsequent visits, I did felt more full of hope and optimism....and for that my friend, I do indeed and resolutely thank you............... Neville

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Neville.
j.

[Neville]

thank you for making those I comment on available in the first place jacob........... N

[andrew mitchell]

Yes we have to make the most on what is provided. Another thought pondering write!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, andrew.
j.

[Lyn Anderson]

We often equate certain seasons with the passing of loved ones. Certainly, the leaves calling and the cold coming take us there. You have described that feeling beautifully

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Lyn.
j.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

October winds are a portal to eternity....what an enchanting thought. So light and airy this feels of a subject sometimes so heavy and disheartening.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, Queenie.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

so we must enjoy their colors
while we can,
and not shed tears as their leaves
turn from green to gold

Brilliant life advice. We have to hold onto the days we have with those we love...those we care about. Those are the memories what will get us through the tough times when they are gone. Your poetry, my friend, will never be forgotten. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for that really kind comment, Lydi...

i appreciate you...

j.

[Jimmy Yetts]

"Forgiven and not forgotten" very nicely sums it up, for me.
Profound perception, Jacob From The Bronx!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Jimmy.
j.

[Melissa]

I enjoyed this. I like the imagery, particularly the opening image of the huddled winds and the closing image of clinging to a branch. I didn't realize where it was going immediately, and thought I was probably reading another ode to pumpkin spice lattes, but I was pleasantly surprised, and found it even better after a re-read.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Melissa...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

This poem speaks to me. My oldest friend is dying. Her twin sister, cousin and myself managed to get her out for lunch, which she so enjoyed earlier this week. We were enjoying our Indian summer to the full. Making the most of each day this beautiful friend has left. I am not shedding tears yet, though the prospects are all gold not green. October winds still seem far off and I want it to stay that way. Beautiful poem Jacob.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate your words, Chris...this one didn't seem to work so well...one of the few i wanted to save so i kept tweaking it and almost threw it out.
your review encourages me...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Glad you didn't throw it out Jacob, your words spoke to me.

Chris