September Autumn Competition Poetry Co-Winner: “Autumnal Demise” by Emer McDermott

A soft hum came over autumn,
beneath my feet 
patchwork was being complete. 
The wind rustled to knit the leaves together.
Amber, gold, and green.
The sky sighed out pristine clouds,
soft velvet puffs
against the cornflower blue.

Tender September sung a symphony, 
and the morning mist danced, softening the distance
between you and me. Rain ricocheted against my windscreen
like cathartic calligraphy, and I for once 
did not was for anything – I was content to be.

Summer’s loneliness lifted, drifted away,
as candescent sun rays peaked through the grey.
I loved how autumn mirrored my pain.
Whatever I had felt before, nature experienced day by day.

In the rough and tumble, nature never fumbles,
but falls away with grace. It captivates without conceitedness,
leaning in as if 
waiting to hear a secret.

As all decays, 
with decorum and good taste,
nature accepts its fate
               and welcomes death’s embrace.

Emer McDermott resides in Clare, Ireland. She works as a post-primary teacher of English and Religious Education. She obtained her BA degree in English and Theology from Mary Immaculate College, and Professional Masters Degree in Education at the University of Galway. She has previous publications with Soul Poetry, Prose & Arts Magazine and Sideways Poetry Magazine.