Bits and pieces of prose and poetry entered in contests for the I Write contests. |
Lights in the sky blaze a trail to the Earth No smooth landing as we plow into a mire of vines and bulbous melons They explore and flail their innards about the scene No human life is lost, our science officer tells us, this is vegetation, grown for this time of year. Odd something grown for only a season. She shrugs and smiles. But we are not here to watch humans traipse around in costumes; That was last year's adventure. This year we seek a quieter, more reflective group; those celebrating Samhain. We find a group walking along a trail not far from our landing's site; they are in robes of brown and grey Walking as if mesmerized by the world around them. We follow them and notice how they seem so enthralled by the colours and smells around them. There is a peacefulness to the group, a quiet grace that draws us along, curious we follow. They come to a cemetery at the edge of the forest and walk with reverence around the headstones. They reach out and touch some of the stones, their words murmur thanks and gratitude As they place bundles of flowers and herbs along the bases of the stones. We follow them when they leave, heading for a home warmed by candle light There, they gather at an altar of old photographs. Again murmurings of love and thanksgiving are prevalent. A table is set... with one extra place. No one sits there, yet food and drink are put out; Glasses are raised to the empty seat. Later the full goblet of wine and plate of food are brought out and placed among the leaves Back inside the house candle light warms their faces as they sit and mediate - Each reflecting on the past adventures a year has given them There is a soleumness to the evening. As if this day and this night are there to ponder Communing with spirits we can only see in mist around the humans Love is there, deep felt and enduring What is this occasion? we ask our Science office 'Tis Samhain They are honouring their dead with their memories and their love. 29 lines. Day 8 - Thirteen Days of Halloween ▼ ** Image ID #1855238 Unavailable ** |