as if a caress

October’s evening light as if a caress
soft brushing against my pain
whispers, as mother did then,
that the coming darkness
is not to be feared.

October’s evening light as if a caress
lifts a quiet corner of night's quilt
draws it to rest on weary shoulders
shushes, as mother did then,
lullaby sung to its unchanging close.

October’s evening light as if a caress
now only imagined, but eternally real,
dims day's demands and disappointments
invites, as mother did then,
my wrinkled, worried frown to sleep.