by Rand E Oertle

Created on: July 30, 2009

BEFORE THE EARTH SLEEPS

There is a time
between the end of fall
and the beginning of winter
when the fallen leaves have left the trees in skeleton,
the clouds paint the sky
in various shades of grey
and the snow has not yet
softened the stark reality
of bare earth.

It is a time of catharsis.
A time to examine the cobwebs collected
in the corners of our minds
during hours
when there wasn't time enough
to sweep them out.

It's a time to contemplate without distraction
the coming crystal flakes of brilliant white snow,
exuberant colors of spring,
of summer's perpetual excitement
and the crispness of fall mornings
that remind you you're alive.

It's a time to let our minds wander
through forgotten promises, unfulfilled goals
and nebulous dreams, without
recriminations or accusations or
self doubt, there is plenty of time
for that later.

It's just a time to say, this was the year that was.
To look, as from a perch, and not to judge it
good or bad,
but just to ponder.
We can judge in another season.

It's a time of rumination, consideration of
the seeds of inspiration.
It's the time just before the earth sleeps.

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