When They Ring Those Golden Bells by David Estringel

When They Ring Those Golden Bells

Days fall away

like apples

from October tress

cheeks, full and ablush,

kissing silver

from delicate wrists

and fingertips,

escaping trappings

of gnarl

and crook

and the gripping sway of

Autumnal breezes.

Such thievery—

the snatching of seconds

from sun and flesh—

to pave the way

for the procession

to Winter’s rest.

Over rock and bramble,

past crimson peeks

of velvet

through the briar,

an orchard of yews

awaits,

boughs laden

with evergreen

and the opiate red

of merciful Sleep.

Wait for me,

my friend–

sweet oblivion–

where the river bends,

as they ring those golden bells

to call me home,

again.

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(Photo: LostShadowChild/flickr.com/ CC BY 2.0)

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David Estringel

David Estringel is a Xicanx writer/poet with works published in literary publications like The Opiate, Azahares, Cephalorpress, DREICH, Somos en escrito, Ethel, The Milk House, Beir Bua Journal, and Drunk Monkeys. His first collection of poetry and short fiction Indelible Fingerprints was published April 2019, followed Blood Honey and Cold Comfort House (2022, little punctures (2023), and Blind Turns in the Kitchen Sink (scheduled for late 2023). David has also written six poetry chapbooks, Punctures, PeripherieS, Eating Pears on the Rooftop, Golden Calves, Sour Grapes, and Blue. Connect with David on Twitter @The_Booky_Man and his website www.davidaestringel.com.

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