Foliage, harvests, crops

Third season of the year

Time of maturity, or decline

Leaves change colors, then

fall, are played in then raked.

Sometimes we experience

Indian Summer, then it either

subsides or abates, first frost

appears, extends downwards

New growth loses its dignity.

Days begin to grow shorter

As nights appear sooner -

Now dominate the landscape

with its shadowy figures

Nightlights on, collapses fears.

A new crispness fills the air

like the mist from a waterfall

On come the sweaters, take

a long walk with your lover

LIfe's priorities fall into place.

Soon, the skies turn gray

Winter is on the horizon

Time to turn inward, time

to sleep and wake, read,

and write letters to family

and long lost friends.

'2008' RLS