See You in October

I've known for some time now
that writing has given me the strength
to breathe, will to keep going,
clarity to survive and share.

Knowing struggles linger
like a slow, smouldering
brush fire, denial allowed
me to ignore the smell of
smoke.

Questions would fly through a room
on a day when I wasn't quite strong
enough to answer, waiting for nightfall-

I would answer questions alone in my
room as the moon witnessed confessions
of a broken down soul.

As the reader, you witness my ability
to make darkness beautiful, death
comforting, gutted pain look
like a sparkling, wintry nature scene.

I no longer wish to hide within metaphors
and it's time for me to put down my pen,
explore this darkness of mine in ways
I never dreamed I would do.

For now, I want to thank you for reading
my heart, be comforted in knowing-

When Autumn sets in,
the Maple Tree will blossom
with new shades you have
never seen before-

Thank you for reading
I'll see you again when
the final leaf has
fallen. ...