I plucked the several acer leaves
shortly after you had left
still wanting those closed eyes to see
coloured lights that month had kept
and given it to three small trees
our three we'd raised, confined to pots
until the day we'd move along
and find some pasture further on
Dry leaves - like living quite alone -
for several years preserved and framed
till once my tears had run
their course and once I'd grown
accustomed to the way you dropped
and fell as stone
when your October light had gone
ii
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Acts 20:29
but how I rejoice you chose that day
never to watch leaves fall again
or know of foulness that befell your kin
this wretched anniversary
For Dora’s Poetic prompt: Tripping the October Light Fantastic but in this poem the light is shuttered on this 7th anniversary of Martin‘s death and the 2nd anniversary of the massacres and hostage taking of Israeli Jews and others by militants from Gaza,
The remaining 24 hostages are awaiting release plus a further 35 for a dignified burial.
PoetryPix 
What a date to remember for you, and there is something with October that makes it special really.
doubly dark even for the start of October
Heart-rendingly lovely, Laura, and wistful but glowing with a gratitude for what he was spared. This October day is bittersweet indeed.
I thank God Martin was spared so much but he was old enough to have seen it all before, after the war.
Such a poignant poem, Laura, and a sad anniversary to commemorate. How wonderful to have shared growing the acers.
and now those acers reside in my garden – 2 at least have their roots in the soil
I love acers.
A poignant poem on these mournful anniversaries.
I had to look up acers, a type of maple?
so close to the bone, Merril
p.s. indeed – these are Japanese maples
Indeed, Laura.
Ahh–they are beautiful trees!
Who knows where the times goes … thinking of you x
thank you Catherine – I shall never forget your singing for Martin’s farewell
Thank you for posting this. May Martin’s memory always be for a blessing. Zichrono livracha. And thank you for remembering the Oct. 7 massacre and the hostages. So many people have forgotten.
I know you and I share a similar loss though different circumstances so thank you – and no I never forget what happened on 7/10/23 nor the fate of the hostages still suffering utter cruelty. I despair though over the deafening silence as well as the worldwide celebrations
Such a heartfelt poem Laura, October must be so difficult for you, my thoughts are with you ❤️
thank you for your appreciation of the poem – October is most certainly a thought-filled month
A sorrowful day for you indeed. The emotion is palpable in your words. (K)
thanks for feeling the words Kerfe
Heartbreaking poem, Laura. No amount of time can heal these wounds ✨❤️💔❤️✨
thank you for your kind words
The leaves return but the anniversary of loss must be so so much for you.
very intense
much♡love
lovely comment Gillena – thank you
I commend your skill in rendering grief without being maudlin, yet laden with emotion ~
I thank you for noticing – I try hard to remove maudlin without being dispassionate
What a thoughtful, measured and powerful piece of writing – Jae
thank you so much Jae – (so sorry the spam catcher trapped your words till now)
Your poem is very heartfelt and sad. I am so sorry for your loss.
many thanks Dwight – par for the course when its natural
You are welcome!
Poignant poem, heartfelt and really sad… 😦 Sending you a million blessings, my friend.
I appreciate your blessings – thank you
You welcome, Laura.
An aching, marvelous poem, Laura.
thank you for this high praise
i. had a power even before, on second reading, I noticed ii. Then, that further jolt. A wonderful poem.
happy you registered that second jolt Judy – too often ignored
There’s heartache and hope in remembering…
so true x
We are privileged that you share your loss and its anniversary so poignantly in this poem Laura…
thank you Andrew – after 2023, this anniversary is forever more more poignant
Such a poignant poem. Written straight from the heart.
yes it is so thank you for that