Disregarding an Early Bedtime...........................Sarah Sprouse

Sarah Sprouse

Disregarding an Early Bedtime

The last, lingering cloud embers of late autumn afternoon fell to meet the encroaching dusk— and the chill of its sunless sky. Footfalls met pavement, cold pavement, our feet were black-bottomed, still bare in autumn. The only shiver is the shiver of a thrill—as we wander.

Flaming amethyst withered and wept into the bare limbs of oaks. Clasped hands, warm and clammy with sweat— the crisp air wrapped us into its folds, but we did not tug at our sweaters.