October's Echo

October's echo whispers through the trees,
A rustling symphony of what used to be.
The leaves, like memories, fall at my feet,
A golden carpet, bittersweet.

Remember carving pumpkins, side-by-side?
Your laughter, the soundtrack to the autumn tide.
Now the porch is empty, the swing set still,
A hollow ache that time cannot fulfill.

The air is crisp, a familiar chill,
That seeps into my bones, against my will.
I pull my sweater tighter, close the door,
Another year gone by, and nothing more?

The coffee's brewing, a comforting scent,
A small ritual, time well spent.
I watch the sunrise paint the sky with fire,
A fleeting beauty, fueling my desire

To feel… to truly feel, beyond the gray,
Beyond the ghosts that haunt me every day.
Your favorite mug sits dusty on the shelf,
A silent reminder of my former self.

We built a life, brick by fragile brick,
Then watched it crumble, painfully and quick.
No blame, no anger, just a quiet knowing,
That some connections, despite our growing,

Simply fade, like watercolors in the rain,
A beautiful image, washed away by pain.
And now, I'm left to navigate alone,
A solitary traveler, on a path unknown.

I walk the dog, he sniffs the fallen leaves,
Unburdened by the sorrow that still grieves.
He lives in moments, simple and so true,
A lesson learned, from him, anew.

Perhaps the echo isn't just of loss,
But also of a strength I didn't cross,
A resilience buried deep inside,
A quiet courage, I can no longer hide.

Maybe October's chill is just a test,
A preparation for the coming winter's rest.
A time for introspection, to rebuild and mend,
To find my own path, until the very end.

And though the memories linger, bittersweet and clear,
I'll face the future, banishing all fear.
For even in the silence, I can hear my own,
Strong, steady heartbeat, never quite alone.

The fire crackles, warming up the room,
A gentle promise, chasing away the gloom.
October's echo fades into the night,
Replaced by hope, and a faint, new light.

I'll carve a pumpkin, just for me this year,
A small celebration, banishing all fear.
And raise a toast, to all that's come and gone,
And greet the dawn, a little bit more strong.