ALL SOUL’S DAY

A time to gather and remember.

“In the time of their visitation they shall shine,
and shall dart about as sparks through stubble.”
		-Wisdom 3


A cold mist began the day, the air felt ethereal.
Appropriate for this day of all.
A bell in the distance tolled through the hour
Muffled in the stillness of the grey.
I stood near the top of a hill peering
Through the fog, the veil so thin for
On this day, the quiet dead we welcome in.

We recall what our hearts forget: the laughter,
The stories, alas the sweet regret.
But love extends beyond the tomb and
As we light our candles, and say our prayers, 
We are lifted above the gloom, above despair.
At holy Mass, we recite the names through tear
And sigh, and pray for souls to be lifted high.

Oh blessed Mother Mary, hold close the hand of
Every wandering and waiting child, the souls
Of all who fall asleep, till at last they rise to 
Behold your Son face to face.
So we gather and recite the ancient rites,
We shuffle forward and receive the Christ,
Believing in grace to face the night.

Fall is finally here, and on this morning’s walk, reflecting on the readings from Mass and the significance of today, this poem sort of sprang off the keyboard. I hope you enjoy it!