Anticipating Autumn

The time of year when all are transfixed in awe
young and old enamored by impending change
silent showers of red and gold
carpet and adorn the land
rakes and leaf blowers the tools of the day
skis will be waxed in anticipation
skates sharpened for the first opportunity
grills cleaned and stored away
wood piles will grow higher in preparation
the popcorn will taste better by a roaring fire
than it did at the summer fair
cotton candy memories will give way to anticipation
of Halloween costumes and trick-or-treat
turtleneck sweaters and woolen mittens
hot cocoa and cinnamon toast
cozy comforters, flannel sheets, comfy blankets
stacks of books adorn side tables
in preparation for autumn/winter reading
everything quiets and waits
and we never tire of the wonder of it all

© Marcia Miller-Twiford