Staying in the Light

I meant to write about the moon, in summer. But rain, a tiresome stop-start and repetitive lock-down, saw me pluck an Asian bleeding-heart. With deaths, near-deaths and diagnoses so close to home, hands had clamped and ink dried up.

But October is always rich and full. Harvest moon saunters in on the first day, and emerges blue on the last as it hallows the ground and ushers a new month. As shadows scream swallowed by darkness so typical of November, I cling to Astraea’s embrace and departing words, “Stay in the light!”, for they say this winter will be hard.

– for Poets and Storytellers United, Writers’ Pantry

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

31 Comments

  1. We just have to accept what comes. Let’s hope we can experience a better life next year. Luckily I am in Australia so I am looking forward to summer!

  2. The Light, limited and fading rapidly these days, is becoming increasingly difficult – almost impossible – to cling to, let alone bathe in.

    I guess the trick is to savor every photon that comes your way, eh?

    Wonderful Sunday write, Sister.

  3. I have no doubt it will be a hard winter here too… no matter how November shakes out. But I will do my best to prepare, and keep hope as a staple in my coping first aid kit.

  4. November is always challenge here with its darkness. But I’m working hard in recalling all the wonderful things; memories the month brings as I keep my gratitude journal close. And yes, hope has never been so necessary as a staple in a first aid kit!

  5. “They say this winter will be hard” Well, then, having survived this summer we’ve been practicing hard, so winter should be a piece of cake!

  6. I hope it doesn’t go against your intention for me to read this as a poem, at least in terms of vivid experience and uplift.

  7. I love that in the end, you still wrote about the moon. This winter is promising darkness. But like your poem puts it (and puts it so well), the darkness won’t get us while we hold on to the bright.

    This is so beautiful, Khaya, and necessary.

  8. It will be hard everywhere this winter. That is good advice, to stay in the light, and not wander from it.

    I often think of a poem about tea my mother used to recite. I have no idea who wrote it.

    A good cup of tea, is acknowledged to be
    a famous restorer in sadness.
    It quickens life’s flame, and enlivens the frame,
    and imparts a spirit of gladness.

    Enjoy all the good things in life you can find Khaya. Stay safe and well.

  9. Not at all. I realize from other comments that you’re not the only one reading it as a poem. I’ll accept that. Because even though I set out to write a prose piece, it looks like I ended up with a poem, after all. I guess I need to go back to labeling it properly, and as a prose poem rather. 🙂 Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate a lot!

  10. Such a lovely photo, Khaya. 😍 yes, we must stay in the light, whatever hardships may come. I was chatting on the phone to my 107-year-old mom-in-law yesterday. She ended off by saying, “It’s a funny old world we live in, but it’s no good complaining, we just have to make the best of it.” I think she’s got the right idea. 😘

  11. The moon has that effect, one can’t completely ignore it. And yes, we have to hold on to the light, I believe is what we’ll get us through. Thank you so much Maga for your encouraging comment.

  12. Yes, search out and celebrate every bit of light we find. May we be a light to others.

  13. A wistful post, Khaya. It’s a dark time in so many ways, but there is still beauty and hope and kindness all around us. Be on the look out for the light <3 <3

  14. Oh, that’s a lovely poem! It beautifully highlights simple joys, such as a good cup of tea. Thank you so much for sharing it. 🙂 As for winter, we better not wander far from light, indeed.

    Thanks Lavinia. Be well, too!

  15. Hi Sylvia, so lovely to see you around. And yes please, I’ll take your mom-in-law’s advice anytime. Because she’s definitely got the right idea. 🙂 Stay well! xx

  16. Oh yes, it’s certainly comforting to see all the beauty and kindness around us. I’m always hopeful and on the look out for light. 🙂 Thank you, Diana. <3

  17. That was well-written even if it was brief. This is kind of weird writing this in the Winter when I just got hit with a bunch of snow, but I hope you’re doing well.

Do leave a trace!