All Hallow's

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)

Author's Note

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.

Reviews

[Julian]

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,

[Dave]

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

Take care - Dave

[Zoe Richardson]

I was reading about the origin of Halloween and this popped into my head. I've never been entirely comfortable with all the overtly scary parts, and wanted to find out more about the All Hallows part, a holy day designed to commemorate the dead in Christ, in preperation for All Saint's Day on November 1. I don't like to glorify evil. There is far too much of it in the world today. But I also recognize the fun parts of the holiday, too! I am glad this helped you see Halloween in a new light. And I am glad you are reading my word!

[FGFRANKLIN]

"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.

[Zoe Richardson]

I always welcome your praise and thoughtful comments. This was one of those poems that just popped into my head while I was reading about the origins of Halloween. I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[emmajoygreen]

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!

[Zoe Richardson]

I agree! Children love the free candy but parents know it costs a fortune! I'm contemplating wearing boots and cowboy hat and when people ask if I"m a cowboy I'll say, "Nope. I'm Ranch Dressing!" I think those tiny orange type thingies are known as Mandarins/Clementines/Satsumas, depending on where you live. To complicate the matter even further, orange growers have branded them Halos and Cuties. I hope you have a lovely evening, and your money is well spent!

[emmajoygreen]

Laughing with the Ranch Dresser I live in the UK and we have fruit coming from all over! Part of me disapproves of Hallowe'en and the commercial side of it and the veering from All Hallows.. but to each his or her own. Keep smiling, keep happy.. and thank you so much for making contact. :)

[Zoe Richardson]

You have no idea how much I agree with you. I joke with my friends that I am the Halloween Grinch. I spend the night under the bed with holy water and crucifix and I'm a Baptist! I hate scary movies and haunted houses and all the evil stuff. I prefer to concentrate on what Halloween truly means. Although I do enjoy the free candy aspect! I'm not sure if you have Trick-or-Treating in the UK, but it's the fun aspect of Halloween across the pond!

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Zoe Richardson]

Thank you, dear Chris. I like to remember the core of Halloween, its sacred roots and traditions, as opposed to the scary stuff. I really, really, don't like being scared. lol Thank you for your praise and your I hope you have a smashing weekend!

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Zoe Richardson]

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 to say nope. I'm Ranch Dressing!

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha. Enjoy:)

[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. :)

[Zoe Richardson]

When I write, I always imagine how the rhyme would sound if someone was reading it aloud. It's the teacher in me, I suppose, remembering all the poems read aloud in class. My ancestors are Ulster Scots, a fascinating, irascible and contradictory group of ne'er do wells. lol Before I die, I hope to see both Ireland and Scotland.

[Lydia Shutter]

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**

[Zoe Richardson]

Aww! I am awed and humbled by your praise. Halloween, to me, has distinct notes of melancholy. A campfire would provide the perfect ambiance!

[Sami Khalil]

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.

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh, wow. That is so amazing. Thank you for giving me insight into another interpretation of the veil. I think every culture has a longing to know what is beyond, and hope that we can connect with ones who have passed on. Youre kind words are much welcome!

[Sami Khalil]

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