Where did you come from
On this November morning
There are no oak trees in sight
Despite the name of the street
Oakridge Drive
And yet here you are
Nestled in the midst of my Peace Lily
Your colors called out
Begging me to stop and notice
It wasn’t difficult
Because you are beautiful
On this brand new November morning
I am always reflective on this day
Each year
All Saints Day
Early as the sun is barely visible
Or perhaps the clouds are gray
The colors around me
Seem subtle
Mirroring the ponderings
Going on in my heart
The memories
The thoughts of gifts
From those
Dear to my heart
Given to me out of love
Out of encouragement
Out of hope
These saints are gone from my sight
But I know that there is just a thin veil
Between here and there
Out of this moment
This chilly November morning
When the early light
Mutes the hues of creation
Your colors call out to me
Begging me to stop and notice
Reminding me
That life still holds much beauty
Despite the pain and chaos
I never seem to forget
For a long time I notice you
A wayward oak leaf
Is that you I hear
Saying to me
All is not lost
C Alicia Randolph
November 2021 (Revised)
