[todaysdate]
By Christi Oritz
During this season
we celebrate the cycle of life.
The earth begins to die down
to prepare for next Springs birth.
We celebrate this transition
by honoring those who have gone before us.
We celebrate the Day of the Dead
and how they have blessed our lives.
We hollow out
pumpkin shells
to remind us that this life is only a container
that we will one day shed.
We know that this hollowness
Is hallowed
and enkindle a light within the carcass
to keep holy vigil
The Light
a symbol of the life
that lived within
which was released to the Wind.
We dress in costumes
to remind ourselves that this life
Is not as serious as we make it out to be.
Perhaps we are just playing a part in the Grand Charade.
Perhaps the ego is just an illusion
and death is just a passing
on to the next,
our “self” as ephemeral as the mist.
Perhaps this feast
Is here to scare us out of our
delusion of permanence
and the torpor of complacence
We are called to awaken
to the Dark Mystery
and leave behind the activities that fill our days
to allow ourselves to ponder the questions that night brings
We look our fears in the face
and let the skeletons out of the closet.
This is the time
to face that stark realities of life.
Death, sickness, suffering, and loss,
we let them out of the shadows
and lift the veil of denial
to let them dance in the street.
Great poem Christi, much to ponder in it, thanks for a rich contemplation.
Much to enjoy and ponder in those beautiful images.
If you come to my door on Halloween and recite that poem, I just might not trick you. But then, depending on my mood, it might be advisable to wear water proof clothing.
“Death, sickness, suffering, and loss,
we let them out of the shadows
and lift the veil of denial
to let them dance in the street.”
Yes, let’s celebrate and let free these ideas, thanks, Christi!