Samhain
On Samhain night, as darkness falls
I take out the small brass key
To unlock the box which holds my ghosts.

By the altar, box in my lap
I gently lift the lid
Parting the dark veil between the worlds.

Fingers tremble, then softly touch
Remembrances within
Small tokens of those I've loved and lost

The small gold ring my Nana wore
Grandpa's watch, worn and scratched
A lock of my cousin's hair

Tags from my pets, both large and small
Some pictures and notes from friends
My fingers caress each one in turn

Tears fill my eyes, softly I smile
They've left and yet they remain
The love they shared my legacy

They are not gone, the live in me
They forged the woman I am
Then tenderly I refill the box

On Samhain night, beneath the moon
I turn the small brass key
My ghosts to love for another year.