November invitation

after all hallows eve & 
all saints, all souls
i admit my longing for 
slowing, resting.
i name my dreams
and groan in prayer.
"i sense an invitation
in this season."

toss and turn
grab the remote
recheck
the vote count
the headlines
recheck
the heartaches
recheck
reality

lost hopes, now hallowed:
the mighty remain mighty
although their optics 
are all off.
tyrants turn 
themselves 
inside out,
shed skins &
expose plots. 

there is a message
in the faces 
of those who do not see
the mess we are in.

who was succumb 
to the fierce
pace of restlessness?
who was slave
to the demands
of the din?
was it me?

is this a time
for lamenting?
is this a season
for repenting?

under the dark sky 
in late afternoon
i look for little
illuminations.
Spirit — she sneaks,
whispers:
"be thoughtful,
be careful,
now is the time
for deepening."

when i am 
underground
i must accept 
the pressure
the weight
the darkness. 
the risk of 
mystery:
no maps
no menus
no certainty.

swimming in deep water
takes strength, energy
constant attention
to breath
to movement
to surroundings.

depth, though, reveals 
glowing wonders
like flaming altars
and secret cathedrals
in holy places
there are holy answers

in the depth:
trust
love
truth
hope 
plus fresh
opportunity.
invitation 
accepted.