The Acorn

A ping on picnic table,

a thump in humus,

a crack against granite outcrop,

a splash into fountains flow,

in autumn wind, leaves of oak

wave farewell to her children

who plummet down,

manna for inhabitants

of the forest below.

Squirrel scolds curious cat

for disturbing frenetic

gathering of bounty.

food for winter, freely

given, freely taken,

a pantry open to all.

I roam, unexpectedly,

the woods of childhood –

the place where

the great teacher dwells.

I beg for a sign of remembrance

to the devotee who loved so well.

On the path ahead lies a large acorn,

the sign of recognition,

passed secretly from healer

to healer in the Burning Times.

This tiny womb – a promise

and a gift for one who was

nurtured and is nurtured still.

Lainie Senechal

Announcement: Lainie hosts a poetry series at the Amesbury Public Library.  The next event is Wednesday, October 26th at 6 PM.  Alfred Nicol is the featured reader.