All Hallow's

All Hallow's

A Poem by Zoe Richardson
"

Offerings for October

"
Spare a thought for those who wander
Past the veil on Hallows E’en
As they leave us here to ponder
Where they’ve been and what they’ve seen

Frost and shadows lace the pumpkins
Thimble shapes pressed into glass
Colder nights bring dreams begotten
Whispers close and presence past

A fire to welcome autumn’s splendor
Red and orange and gilded leaves
Hark, now comes the last pretender
Tucking secrets in her sleeves

Saints and sinners mingle sweetly
Drifting voices haunt the dusk
Will you offer gifts completely
Carved in root and wrapped in husk

Light the candle and stir the embers
Lay out plate and fruit and wine
Welcome here to all remembered
As holy sacred hearts entwine

-Zoe Richardson (2023)

© 2023 Zoe Richardson


Author's Note

Zoe Richardson
I was reading about the origins of All Hallows Evening, when people commemorated the martyrs and saints. Some believed the veil between this life and the next grew thinner on All Hallow's Evening, and they would set places at their table for the dearly departed. Being of Scots-Irish heritage, I find these little details intriguing, as the roots of Hallowtide grew out of certain Celtic traditions.

My Review

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Reviews

Another great piece and so enjoyable- the imagery and craft are splendid here! And another somewhat (perhaps ) uncanny commonality, the Scots- Irish heritage... we seem to be either more and more recognized, or more and more outspoken about such a heritage. Either way, God bless us every one. And thanks for sharing this beautiful work with us,

Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe - thank you so much. Never before have I seen or heard of Halloween in such a way.

Take care - Dave

Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

I was reading about the origin of Halloween and this popped into my head. I've never been entirely c.. read more
"A fire to welcome autumn’s splendor
Red and orange and gilded leaves
Hark, now comes the last pretender
Tucking secrets in her sleeves" Love these lines! Just great stuff, here, Zoe.


Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

I always welcome your praise and thoughtful comments. This was one of those poems that just popped i.. read more
Am here, at last! There is so much wonderful info about this time, event - call it what you wil but thanks for giving some.

Your poem is great.. was told it was/is! Read it aloud to feel its song and found it was just that, your meter is grand. Zoe! I'm prepared for little callers, have a bag of small choc bars and a basket of small apples, nanas and teeny orange type thingies. Plus Huggies just in case some are hungry! Although the event has become far too commercial, children enjoy it but the poor parents have to fork out so much. Perhaps I should direct a few to your wonderful poem instead!

Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

I agree! Children love the free candy but parents know it costs a fortune! I'm contemplating wearing.. read more
emmajoygreen

1 Year Ago

Laughing with the Ranch Dresser I live in the UK and we have fruit coming from all over! Part of .. read more
Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

You have no idea how much I agree with you. I joke with my friends that I am the Halloween Grinch. I.. read more
Dear Zoe, your author notes so interesting to read. A wonderful poem. So descriptive and atmospheric. Your stanzas are rich in content, colour and imagery. So pleased I stopped by. Have a great Thursday.

Chris

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

I’m going to be a spider for my grandson’s Halloween party, complete with a wonderful web:) Have.. read more
Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

I'm going to put on cowboy boots and a cowboy hat and when people ask me if I'm a cowboy I'm going t.. read more
Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Ha ha. Enjoy:)
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Gee
Great. Read this aloud a couple of times and it trips of the tongue perfectly.
My wife is Scottish, from a small village in Ayrdhire,(Dalry.) We met on holiday in Tenerife back in '91. :)

Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

When I write, I always imagine how the rhyme would sound if someone was reading it aloud. It's the t.. read more
Zoe, the rhythm and rhyme of this one is just flawless! I thought of a group sitting round a campfire on a spooky night with one leader reading this out loud. WOW....just great! Lydi**

Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

Aww! I am awed and humbled by your praise. Halloween, to me, has distinct notes of melancholy. A cam.. read more
A fine offering on this famous and widespread tradition. It is indeed a welcome to Autumn or Fall, for the fallen leaves might represent the fallen martyrs.
This veil between this life and the life after is called Barzakh in Arabic; just throwing it out there for an FYI. So, other people have that idea of a veil.
Wow!
You are rock and rolling with poetry.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Zoe Richardson

1 Year Ago

Oh, wow. That is so amazing. Thank you for giving me insight into another interpretation of the veil.. read more
Sami Khalil

1 Year Ago

Howdy do! So true and well articulated. Thank you and you are welcome.

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141 Views
8 Reviews
Rating
Added on October 20, 2023
Last Updated on October 20, 2023
Tags: Poetry, Thoughts, Halloween, October

Author

Zoe Richardson
Zoe Richardson

Cordova, AL



About
Alabama native. Poet and storyteller and all around word nerd. I practice random acts of insanity because the world needs some shaking up. more..

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