In the leaves changing

some people see

only the winter

about to haunt their lives

in the autumn storm

some people hear

only the change

that will soon fill their home with cold

in the rapidly shortening days

some people feel

only the melancholy

of depression

that always comes to visit

at this time of the year

the thoughts

that remain unspoken

the questions

that no one answers

the fingers of pain

that carry on scratching

against a canvas of skin

already full of scars

will anyone be there

to walk with the forgotten through the valley

of temptation

will anyone remember

those suffering

with sicknesses unseen

will anyone reach into the silence

of those tormented by memories

they are afraid to reveal

when the snow begins to swirl

around the torn clothing of those beaten by life

will you light a fire