Autumn
by Maralee Gerke

Autumn arrives slowly,
the days grow shorter
a silent creep toward winter.

Frost is in the offing,
Leaves of all colors surrender
to gravity and swirl over the lawn.

Smoke from burning fields
signal the end of growing season
and the beginning of harvest.

Pumpkins ripened to perfect
orange and gold are ready
for Halloween carving.

Wool mittens are retrieved
from the back of the closet
to keep little hands warm.

Cardinals and jackdaws fly
to sunnier climes. sun glinting
on red and black wings.

Periwinkles bury deep
in mud at the bottom
of the neighboring pond.

every living thing begins
to settle into the seasonal
time of rest and healing.

Awaiting the coming of Spring



 

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