“The verdict is in. I am an autumn.” - Gilmore Girls
Is it cheesy to quote Gilmore Girls on my poetry Substack? Maybe. But it doesn’t make the saying any less true. Growing up on a Caribbean island, I always assumed I was a summer girl. But, in recent years, my moody and nostalgic self has felt most at home among the turning leaves, a chilly breeze, and the coziness of fall. The way I see it, autumn is earth’s last attempt at grasping for beauty and life before it’s plunged into winter. As a poet, how could I not love all that this season represents?
So, here’s a blessing for the autumnal equinox. And, happy first day of fall!
A Blessing for the Autumnal Equinox Give yourself permission to sit in the coming darkness, to let the night take over for a time. Surely, light is never far behind. But now, just for a while the sun will let the last bits of its burning brightness drip from its rays, days shortened by the moon’s silver reign. Sit there. Among dehydrated leaves with the crunch of their veins underfoot. Let the color pour out like blood that seeps from a broken heart. Let the crisp wind comfort you. Let it say, “you are not the only one that grows sometimes cold. Stop resisting the rest your soul needs to be restored to warmth.” Embrace the reds, oranges, yellows to come. Mourn as those who have hope, like the tree losing its leaves weeps for that which shall return to him. Gather the foliage from the ground, sew yourself a garment with these last bursts of beauty, and give yourself permission to sit— to let all decompose, be blown away, to usher in long awaited change. - r.e.g.
Some literary news…
- 's fall journal, Toil, went live today. I’m honored that one of my poems, “Look,” was chosen for publication. I’ve been reading my way through this issue and there’s just so much to savor. I would encourage you all to read it here. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite pieces via Notes in the coming days.
I started my internship with
this past week which I’m super excited about. I admire how they strive to provide faith-based creatives with solid community and I cannot wait to continue to interact with like-minded artists. And, of course, get to read some wonderful poetry submissions for their upcoming issue, Doubt. If you’re interested in submitting, click here.
The fall poetry cohort I’m a part of (led by
and ) began this past week, too. I’m still emotionally recovering from out first meeting (in the best way possible). We were reminded of some important truths about our God-given voices as poets. If you didn’t join the cohort, but would still like to attend a class, you can purchase “drop-ins” here.And I can’t forget about my beloved
. There are too many wonderful things happening over at Calla Press Publishing right now, so I’ll focus on two for now: 's INCREDIBLE Christian fairytale, The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground, is available for preorders. So is Gina Gallagher’s children’s picture book, Reading with Remmy. You can preorder either one by clicking here.
That’s all for now!
In Light of Eternity,
Rosa.
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Rosa, I love these lines, "...days shortened
by the moon’s silver reign."
We had rain overnight here in the Seattle area and now the sun is out, so rain is on my mind.
At any rate, you've captured this lovely in between slowing-down time beautifully. Thank you for this poem/prayer.
I never used be a fan of poetry, but your poems have given me a new appreciation for the art. I look forward to reading your publications every single week! Thank you for these weekly blessings, Rosa. 🍁🍂