a feast of joy

lunch yesterday with writing friends

i had not seen or hugged in years

talking, listening, laughing, inquiring

learning of pain and success, recovery

dreams, hopes, loss and healing

reading a new poem, sharing smiling

with appreciation from deep within

a feast of joy

gray-green settles

gentle gray-green settles imperceptibly

onto autumn mornings as our sun

scampers south ahead of harsh winter

yet the mood-resolving tint helps

prepare our courage and resolve

for endurance when only the depths

within us will carry us through