Autumn Is

Autumn is heaven's gilded frame on faded summer; 
a vault door opening to winter treasure; 
compensation for all that is not, was not, cannot be.



Photo: Bluerock Wildlands 2010, personal collection

In love with Autumn

On this day in 2009:
Autumn blows fierce against
summer’s lingering warmth.
Aspen and willow wave wild,
surrender bare branch bouquets
of lively leaves
to the first dance of fall.

On this day in 2011:
Kick through dry-crisp leaves
sprinkled over still-green grass,
squint into low-rider sun
uncovering fresh-snow mountains.
Hello, deep-breath happy-place.

Today:
peaceful golden glow
of summer's sunset
calm quiet
warm and languid
fade into fall

Gratitude List

a change in season starts with a storm
unkind folks show us how not to be
singing doesn't need light

For these and many other gifts, I give thanks.



Picture: personal collection

The Way to Work

Five magpies
hold a board meeting
black and white rules
bosses all

Black and blue bins
full of themselves
refuse and reuse
march two by two
to the curb

Can you smell the peach
compote in the pink morning
or is it over-ripe apples
as they lose their grip and fall?

Green blades gather on golf links
freeze at the frosty command
of the cold killer
yellow bellied leaves tremble
fall faint to the ground

I walk with a long shadow
urge October to throw coal on the sun
wait for winter's white wonder
dream of a Christmas beach

Early Fall

​

Walk barefoot cross the dew-blessed grass
still green from summer’s sun
wet-cold as northern lakes in June
first leaves have just begun their run



Picture: depositphotos.com #59250421, standard license