Autumn - Zahira Rabinowitz

[Larry Robinson]

Autumn


Hints of autumn
are peeking at me—
a few golden leaves
among the numerous green.
Daylight is diminishing
while darkness grows longer.
Vegetable plants are
at least half spent—

just like me—
in the midst of
life’s autumn,
at least half spent.
This body is stiffening
despite yoga stretches
and nature walks.
Tiredness increases
despite longer nightly sleep
and occasional naps.

The desire to do
is metamorphosing
into the desire
to just be . . .
to rest, to count blessings,
to smile at this rich,
fulfilling life’s 
gifts and ironies,
to feel abiding love
for dear ones
abiding on the other side;
to remember abundant good times
and marvel that 
many difficult challenges
and tribulations have
actually passed;

to appreciate the opportunity
to slow down, rest, and 
contemplate life’s transitions
during the long, dark nights
and short golden days 
of autumn.   

	- Zahira Rabinowitz