Fall into Winter- Anticipating Spring Gratitude

We’ve watched before, this time every year…

The bright red and golden leaves

Falling from the trees that are undressing, 

becoming bare as skeletons blowing in the wind.

Sunlight slants between rain clouds

And pierces through the leaves still attached

creating miniature stained glass windows in natures living cathedral.

(Our last words to each other were “Thank you”)

How do we thank the ones who gave us so much over the years…

Or those who show us moments of kindness and compassion 

when things seem so barren?

How do we express gratitude for those who exemplify courage 

navigating this ever changing and uncontrollable life?

In the end, it might come down to this:

A hand squeeze, when the body is too weak,

or, if lucky, a warm soft embrace 

and loving someone more than you thought you could,

while passing along a large portion of forgiveness for missteps along the way.

Wet leaves paste themselves to the ground,

Mingling and collaging, before decomposing

And bowing down

(The I Am said “breathe deeply my dear”),

I dig deep into this rich dark soil

mulched of memories and love,

and wait for new life once again.

-Rhonda Gerhard

Reprise 2026