As our place in the woods faces almost due east, it is very clear to us as the earth tilts back and forth. As we gaze out our front window across the expansive grassy meadow the sun greets us each morning with pride and absolute beauty. In the middle of September marks the equinox in which the sun rises exactly in the east. It barrels down the center of the valley and marks to us that winter is just around the corner. Well now it is clearly rising in the southern skies and we take this time now to start shifting our focus to winter! Here is a poem I wrote this morning to mark the changing tides.
The Shift
Today I feel the shifting tides
The sun doth rise on southern skies.
The grasses have turned from green to red,
The leaves are falling, ground being well fed.
I feel the shift, down deep inside,
I turn to writing, to reflect, to confide.
A summer well spent, hard work, there’s no doubt,
An ambitious list that’s never to run out.
You can’t do it all, I tell myself often,
I give myself grace, let my shoulders gently soften.
It’s time to shift focus, with the tilt of the planet,
Light up the fires, sit in front and fan it.
It’s time, to take time, no more hustle or bustle,
Feel the shift, feed the soul, kick the leaves hear the rustle.
Look clear through the trees, you can see so much further,
The ferns have all dropped, the grouse walk with fervor.
Sink into a book, write a story or two,
Clear off the table, play a game and don’t forget the stew.
As the season progresses, I am well aware,
It is time to pull out, winter gear for repair.
But let me have just this week, or two, maybe three?
To enjoy this transition, some space to just be.
It can feel unsettling, like what should I do?
Allow yourself that space, and you’re sure to feel anew.
