On being asked to write about what this date, celebrated as
Halloween (which is based on Samhain) truly means to me.
Tonight
Halloween (which is based on Samhain) truly means to me.
Tonight
I would light a candle.
I would stand it
beside your photo.
Tonight
I’d recall
the daily rituals
of our time together.
Tonight
I’d set a place for you
at our table.
Tonight we’d feast.
If it were truly Samhain
here in the warm South,
that is what I’d do.
However, it’s Beltane.
The hot, hot summer
is coming. But
the way we ushered it in
my dear, is over.
You are ghost or angel,
more ethereal than smoke.
And I shall be lighting
no fires tonight.
no fires tonight.
Image: Beltane Fire Dancer by NataliaLeFay (free download)
Note: For those who don't know, Beltane is traditionally celebrated with sexual passion.
31 Poems in 31 Days (Poewar / Writers Resource Center). Prompt: Completion.
Also a follow-on to the previous poem, which was in response to Poets United's Midweek Motif: Halloween, or Celebrating the Dead.
I know what the names Samhain and Beltane mean, having read novels relating to those earlier Druidic times. They are also familiar in my far-memory of those times. Wistful memories, just as this poem.
ReplyDeleteModern Druids, witches and other Pagans still celebrate these Sabbats too.
DeleteWow~! Keep the memory of fire, my friend. Love.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Yes, I do. :)
DeleteMost interesting Rosemary! So it is not just chocs and sweets! Nice to be remembered with sweet memories!
ReplyDeleteHank
Rituals...what makes life meaningful! ~ Love the fire dance.
ReplyDeleteA great poem.
ReplyDeleteCommented earlier elsewhere - this is an exquisite poem - one of your best in a body of excellent work !
ReplyDeleteThanks to you all. I'm delighted you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThis saddens me, but it's so beautiful, Rosemary.
ReplyDelete