A strange and ancient change in calendars
makes October our tenth month
though by name it would be eighth
– and so I wish it were –
for I would love to find and gain two months
for making up for what I’ve lost…
it’s the first of the tenth, not the eighth, today
and with that I must be content and know
that three months hence
when 2025 arrives
this year will disappear,
a new one come
and we shall call it
a beginning…
But what of this year’s ending,
these last three months, these 90 days
before we sing the auld lang syne –
what shall we make of this last quarter?
A time to marvel
at the hues of falling leaves,
at the hues of falling leaves,
apples picked and
chrysanthemums in bloom…
A time to pull on sweaters,
hats and gloves
hats and gloves
to warm
against November’s chill…
against November’s chill…
A time for bowing heads
and giving thanks
at tables blest
with family, friends and food…
at tables blest
with family, friends and food…
A time for starry nights,
for pine bough wreaths
for pine bough wreaths
upon our doors
and candles lit in vigil…
and candles lit in vigil…
A time for holy days
of harvest, hope and spirits high
and prayers
of harvest, hope and spirits high
and prayers
for what’s ahead…
Enough, indeed,
to fill three months,
these sacred 90 days,
the last of this year’s burden…
these sacred 90 days,
the last of this year’s burden…
So, on the first of this tenth month, Lord
bless the days and weeks ahead
to brace us for the winter,
for the advent of your grace:
make peaceful this year’s ending
and sweet the year ahead…