Autumn

Jo Carpignano

Let’s not blame Winter for demise of Fall when Autumn chill appears at end of season it brings instead appearance of Fall’s finest fare in rich wines, sweet jellies, apple pies

It’s then, as though seduced by Winter’s chill that Autumn answers by releasing gaudy leaves into a frenzied flight across the drying fields Torn from their anchor to the branch, leaves swirl in mighty swarms, as if announcing they are free A flock of color in pursuit of phantom butterflies

And speak of beauty? Gaze upon the naked tree bereft of leaves, eagerly awaiting Winter snow Is it not perfect in its graceful symmetry?

And why bemoan the shortened days and longer nights when extended darkness means more time to enjoy rich Autumn’s sweet delights