Autumn Sonnet by Helen Fallon

Autumn Sonnet

Silver leaves twisted like crumpled memories

flutter in the breeze beneath the olive

tree you planted for my birthday. Sweet peas

fade, pods harden, split, spill seeds, fall in soil

smelling of rain. Moon faced pansies wave farewell.

We slit dead shoots from roses, watch for thorns,

petals crumble. Wind chimes tinkle and twirl.

The breeze rises, scatters cornflower tufts.

I am home and eager to prepare for spring.

They cut my flesh, put cameras in, left scars l

ike slender flower stems along my skin.

Now, all that’s withered is removed with care.

Light wanes, fading poppies close their petals.

Solar lamps glow along the pebbled path

like ghostly guides they lead us to the door.

___________

Helen Fallon lives in Kildare, Ireland. She has published in Skylight 47, Poetry Ireland Review, A New Ulster, The Ogham Stone, Ropes Literary Journal, The Stony Thursday Book and Washing Windows III, IV and V.  She was selected for Poetry Ireland Introductions  and awarded a John Hewitt Summer School Bursary.