And Is it not enough that every year
A richly laden autumn should unfold
And shimmer into being leaf by leaf,
It’s scattered ochres mirrored everywhere
In hints and glints of hidden red and gold
Threaded like memory through loss and grief,
When dusk descends, when branches are unveiled,
When roots reach deeper than our minds can feel
And ready us for winter with strange calm,
That I should see the inner tree revealed
And know its beauty as the bright leaves fall
And feel its truth within me as I am?
And Is it not enough that I should walk
Through low November mist along the bank,
When scents of woodsmoke summon, in some long
And melancholy undertone, the talk
Of those old poets from whose works I drank
The heady wine of an autumnal song?
It is not yet enough. So I must try,
In my poor turn, to help you see it too,
As though these leaves could be as rich as those,
That red and gold might glimmer in your eye,
That autumn might unfold again in you, Feeling with me what falling leaves disclose.
“And is it not enough that every year a richly laden autumn should unfold.”
We believe that spiritual formation is a deeply vital aspect of any Christ follower’s life. This poem by Malcolm Guite was highlighted recently by Judy Lewis and Beth Bennett, in their newsletter Exhale. Judy and Beth are Spiritual Directors who specialize as ministers and retreat leaders. Their website is www.atlantaexhale.com.
