October's Gift
Like the yew, carefully wrapping
precious waxed red berries
among her solemn green leaves,
I fold my loving memories of you
between thin layers of yesterdays.
Our craft sessions at the kitchen table,
making decorations for Christmas
while eating our favorite cherry cookies--
Cutting paper snowflakes to tape on
kitchen windows, by the evening fire.
Stringing Christmas cards and garlands
above each fragile nativity figure.
All these memories are brought out
each fall, as delicate gifts
hanging from boughs of time,
where I pluck happy smiles and remembrances.
Then, carefully sorting my ripened treasures,
they’re gathered once again
with the fallen twigs of October,
each given a loving kiss--
then sweetly stored like tiny nuts
to be enjoyed the following season.