Autumn Paths

By John Herlihy

Autumn paths strewn with beds of leaves,

Fallen from the height of the forest eaves.

Nature’s palate sends forth a crimson red,

From the heart of an autumn season bled.

Autumn blaze set afire to scorch the earth,

The moment arrives since the world’s birth.

Who doesn’t succumb to autumn’s beauty,

Colorful leaves tremble as they fall in duty.

An autumn sun descends in darkening pines,

Sun rays bid farewell as the moment shines.

Soon the beauteous vista wrapped in gloom,

As the pretense of night foreshadows doom.

Morning will awaken to the new autumn day,

Along forest paths where autumn leaves play.