Undas
we joke that there are only two seasons here:
warm and less warm. but when October rolls in
and the leaves continue to stay green, the onset
of frequent micro-showers signal: yes,
capiz-framed lights may now mark each underpass
to welcome the end-season.
there's a somber kind of acceptance to the year
coming to a close. where November welcomes us
in hushed tones; candles and convenience
store coffee helping the faithful keep vigil
as they offer up prayer and conversation
over flower-adorned gravestones.
do you hear what I hear? in the distance,
department stores come alive with all things
Christmas; December draping these streets with
the flickering hope of those exhausted and eager
to just hurry on home.
this is the time of Endings. so, let the wheel turn.
encircle all the goodbyes, those faint, hesitating
hellos, and the quiet, whispered miss yous
as I wrap this sweater tight around me.
—N
12242023