Oaks and maples nearly naked
Confused by late October
Days of seventy degrees.
People over-dressed
(At least by Pagan standards)
In shorts and T-shirts,
Hoping it won't be
Their last great weekend.

On the park's west side
Scores attend the Sunday service
Of the new secular religion
Sunday morning soccer
Replete with
Mom and Dad - congregation
Child players - acolytes
Portly coaches - priests
And referee - the Bishop

East side paths are shared
In etiquette unspoken
Save for tentative greetings
Good morning nods
Past from post-cardiac strollers
To power walkers
To sweating joggers
To roller bladers.

The trees look upon the people
With bemusement.
The people look upon the trees
With race memories of Druids
Both basking in Beltrane's
Late October sunshine.