The chill, the rain, the wind
have claimed all leaves
save those whose stubborn hold
will not let go ’til you, Lord,
say the word and then
they’ll fall, spiraling
in autumn’s letting go
when holding on to what’s now past
might seem survival’s only path
but you know, more than I,
you know my letting go may be
my only way to hold all I keep dear
and all I dearly try to keep…
Help my letting go, Lord:
I offer you my hold on things,
my stored up fears and tears,
my grip on all I won’t let go,
that won’t let go of me…
I offer you my fear of falling,
fear of letting go my heart
into your healing care,
into your promise to be there
to catch me safely in your arms…
I offer you and make my own
the prayer of falling autumn leaves
with trust you’ll keep me through
the coming winter’s wind and cold
as I let go my hold on all I’ve lost
– on all save hope of spring…
Gather, Lord, your falling leaves,
the pleas that spiral from my heart
in bittersweet November,
in my letting go my autumn soul
Amen.