Mountain Autumn

Just look at that - and over there!
What color - all the way to the top!
The intense yellows are exquisite!
Such brilliant reds this year!
How can people stay inside?
In every direction, a blanket of color!

We hear this all the time as fall reaches the slopes of
nearby mountains in north Georgia, and
we love the changing hues as much as do the visitors.
But, living here allows us to carry on with life
when we're not riding or walking the roads and paths
now parts of colorful mountain lore
pleasing all eyes and hearts
of those who love the nature and sight of it.

First-timers and repeaters need to see leaves changing
in the fall, from mature and dignified green, going
to pale reds and browns, to bright yellows and reds,
along with in-between shades of dying,
as our trees begin defending themselves against
the winter harshness visited upon rooted stalwarts
of our hills, for they are the sentinels guarding
our paradise as it prepares to dig in
for months before the eruption of another spring,
and, perhaps, another poem about it.


F William Broome 2006-09