When I die,

I want to be a whirlwind of snow,

if just for a moment, at my passing,

gently twirling in the first snowfall of the season.

A whirling, twirling energy of love and joy

(for how else could I express what is deep inside

and what we become fully in spirit?)

I would turn and twirl down Front Street,

when the lights are shining

in the leafless trees,

and touch your face

with gentle wisps of snow.

So that you remember

what it is like to feel unfettered,

like an innocent child

who is hopeful,

knowing that life has promise,

that this sacred earth will support you

and that your soul has wings.

And perhaps you will let go

of the fears that bind you in unhappiness

and quiet your restless mind long enough

 to feel and listen

to what is deep inside of you

like a whirlwind of snow –

love

just waiting to dance.

Filed under: Fall Poems, Poems
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Having completed a few

Fall chores

I took a moment to sit

Under the beautiful

Blue sky

Listening to the birds

Singing

Watching the leaves

Of yellow and crimson

Falling

Feeling the sun’s

Healing rays

Warming

Smelling the wet soil’s

Rich compost

Decaying

Waiting for the first snow

Flakes from lofty clouds

Dancing

And giving thanks

For the abundant natural beauty

Embracing

Filed under: Fall Poems, Poems
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“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

(The best lesson my parents ever taught me.)

Sitting in the comfort of our living room,

bellies full from supper and dogs napping close by

I turned to my husband and asked,

“If China invaded the USA because

we have WMD’s , torture prisoners,

invade other countries, threaten more

and contributed to the death of over 100,000

with countless more wounded for life;

if they saw us as unrelenting terrorists

and overthrew our government today,

would we be going to work in the morning?

If Traverse City were bombed

and they began pumping water from the Great Lakes

for use overseas;

if utilities were disrupted,

could we still heat our home?

Would Tom’s and Meijer’s still be open

doing business as usual?

Would we even have money to buy food?

Would we scavenge the last carrots and potatoes

left in the garden, under the first snow?

Would the reds and oranges of the fall leaves

seem as brilliant or the snow on the cedars

as dazzling? Or even more so?

Would we join the resistance

or take in orphaned kids

and head north to live off the grid?”

“We would be in survival mode,” he replied.

“That is what it must be like for people in Iraq,” I
offered.

“I know,” he said

as if it has been
weighing heavily upon his conscious too.

Filed under: Fall Poems, Poems
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When love moves into the neighborhood

a door to the heart is opened.

The lonely child finds company.

A rejected child receives affirmation.

A tormented child is held firmly, gentled into safety.

When love moves into the neighborhood

help is but a door away.

Leaves are raked.

A drive way plowed.

A sidewalk shoveled.

A bathtub installed on a “pay as you can” plan.

And, all summer long, flowers bloom under every light pole.

When love moves into the neighborhood

fear takes a backseat to kindness.

And walking the dog or riding your bike

is just another way to bless.

Like brilliantly colored leaves falling off the maples

each one of us sheds love and light everywhere we go.

Because, when love resides in our hearts,

it moves into the neighborhood.

Filed under: Fall Poems, Poems
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I was straightening up the bedroom one mid September morning when I noticed a large bug on the window screen. As I moved closer to see what it was I came within inches of the under belly of a huge dragon fly. I had never seen one from this angle before.

Clearly visible were its eyes and mouth. And for the first time I saw the place where the legs connect to its body, invisible when seen from above.

The fall wind was beginning to blow through our window. It was warm but had a hint of coolness to it. The dragonfly was clinging to the screen. I could see where its tinny toes were holding on to the small square sections of our screen.

For a moment I was caught in wonder and awe. So delicate, so intricate. I was aware of how our lives had come together and at the same time of how, like the screen, there was a separation between us. For with the coming of the colder weather, the life of this marvelous creature would soon be over.

Oh come spring, I would see more dragonflies, but never this exact one again. Its life is a unique event upon the earth. One I was privileged to share for just a brief moment.

The changing of the seasons brings about many good byes. The green maple leaves, bull frogs and turtles, the summer cottage people, the traffic, Friday Night Lives, zucchinis and tomatoes in the garden. Robbins will be taking flight as will the ducks who visit our pond unless they decide to hang out at the Boardman River.

Fall is a time when some of us become more lively and others more sad. It’s really all about how we deal with change. Do we try to keep things just as they are and grasp it tightly out of fear or do we allow the flow of life and trust her process?

As much as fall is a dying and a letting go, it is also a hello. Hello to the sound of honking geese flapping their wings over head. Hello to burnt orange, yellow and red maple leaves. Hello to new classmates and the renewal of old friendships. Hello to cooler weather, warm fires and the promise of beautiful white snow flakes.

This time of year reminds us that nothing remains the same. Today is not yesterday nor will it be tomorrow.

If we are wise, we will remember to treasure our days and the people and creatures filling them. Then there are no regrets no matter how great the change or how deep the loss.

Filed under: Fall Poems, Poems
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In late September I sat

barefoot, in my pajamas,

on the front step of our home

looking out into the night sky.

Feeling the changing winds,

I relished the warmth

soon to pass.

Crickets sang around me

as maple and popular leaves

rustled with each passing gust.

I took it all in

like I did as a child

outside on the swing.

Then, lying across my bed,

close to the open window,

I savored the warm night breeze

until it lifted me up

in wondrous dreams.

I was flying with such ease

as if I always have -

but occasionally forgot,

for this is the realm of the soul.

Filed under: Fall Poems
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In this Moment
By J. Chai

So much splendor, so much light
the moon tonight is full and bright.

The moon, bright as the early morning sun
gentled me out of my  midnight dreams
and urged me outside
to notice the world in its light.

The large clump of royal Japanese iris
hold among its graceful leaves
large, sturdy, dark seed pods
where once delicate flowers bloomed.

Cedar and pine trees silhouetted by the light
stand firm and quiet
familiar friends
on this journey of life.

Under the canopy of the maple tree
gracing the entrance to our home
I am safe, sheltered, blessed
and filled with gratitude.

Here, in the sacred gathering of trees
and midnight shadows
washed in the love of creation
filled with the joy of being
and grateful to be alive
I am already in heaven.

Filed under: Fall Poems
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