October Light

by Sara Epstein


October morning light on (bare) trunk of oak tree
(seen out the window as I drive to see you)
or is it maple?
I didn’t notice the leaves
(though they may have been bright orange or red or green
bright orange with veins still green)
Only the gray brown textured trunk
a woman’s body
legs crossed, standing
belly full, navel catching the sun.
Two knots, nipples,
breasts open
ready to receive my heart.
I am the same size as you
as we embrace
skin to skin,
bark warmed,
roots cool, stretching deep into the earth.
The same size,
no leaves falling,
sun shining low,
across the bare trunk.


* * * * *

"October Light" is part of Sara Epstein's collection Bar of Rest (Kelsey Books 2023).

In addition to writing poetry and songs, Sara Epstein, PhD is a clinical psychologist who integrates mindfulness practices, including writing, in her psychotherapy work with children and adults. She also facilitates and teaches generative writing groups and classes.

Sara Epstein’s poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Poetry Quarterly, Amethyst Review, Chest Journal, Nixes Mate Review, Plainsongs, museum of americana, among others.  

Bar of Rest, Sara Epstein’s first book of poetry, has just been released by Kelsay Books.  See Sara’s website at saraepsteinwriter.com.