Autumn's Expectation

Eggs whites strew across the evening sky, anticipating rain

Brown fluff interspersed with white, folding across the horizon

Hints of orange ribbon bleeding through the gaps of blue

Grey smudged along the edges, like a painter’s afterthought

Cool breeze caressing my hair like a lover

Finger combing it off my shoulder to expose my neck

Leprechauns leap beneath leaves dancing across my path

Faerie torches speckling darkness like dots before my eyes

I walk in solitude drinking in the smells of autumn

Fall approaches me like a forgotten friend

First hints of raindrops kiss my eyelids

I raise my face gladly welcoming her bequest

Summer is put to bed; contained deep within earth’s bosom

Nestled inside the heartbeat of yesterdays blessings

Tomorrow is soon enough to wear my mittens

Today I want to dance freely to the melody of change

Solitary Survivors

I walk along the streets as darkness falls
Bundled deep within layers
Of sweaters and scarves, hands deep within my pockets
Smiling as the frigid air caresses my face.

I breathe deeply, absorbing the scent of pine,
Brusque air and dried leaves
Mingled with the scent of logs
Burning, escaping into the night.

An owl in the distance hails the deepening dusk.
The wind blows off the last of summers survivors.
Turning up the collar of my weathered pea coat,
I find myself gazing into the face of a full harvest moon.

How I treasure these solitary walks.
The peace of a gentle evening deep into fall.
Crisp pine needles crunch beneath our feet,
My dog Blue and I out for our daily evening jaunt.