Sowmya Hiremat

Like in autumn trees
Loose their leaves that 
Touch the earth & decay 

I loose parts of me 
That dissolve & fill 
My cup of silent grief

There are many graves 
Invisible but felt on
Warm winter mornings

Showing up like  
Unsolicited visitors  
At my thick door of silence

Shaped like tears of various 
Size out it of nowhere 
And without any care

I am a captive host
For these relatives 
Whose time is long past

Like the tree stripped 
Bare, cold & naked
I am raw with this invasion

The warm sunshine
Glistens as it catches 
The fallen tears on ground

Looking down I see 
With water in my eyes 
I am held, well & strong 

By the very solid 
Sturdy and soft 
Benevolent ground 

So in my grief 
I look up & send out
A silent prayer of thanks.

The tree & me stand 
patiently on the land
Spring, will be here soon
To lend us both a hand

So let me wipe the tears
Maybe drink some tea
Eat cake, croissant & see

Yellow, orange, red dyes
The clear blue skies 
Muted by mist, so lovely & nice 

Despite the dreary chill
That surrounds me 
Ringing my bones 

In various tones
Of fallen autumn leaves 
Signaling - winter is coming