When the daily news reporter
talks about the changing weather,
that’s our cue to sigh together,
“Years are growing ever shorter.”
Store the fans, unpack the heaters;
nippy mornings grace October.
Then, before the month is over,
stock the shelves for trick-or-treaters.
Holidays in quick succession
fill the calendar thereafter.
Giving thanks with food and laughter
leaves November’s firm impression.
Autumn’s vivid colors given
like a sign of nature’s sequence
fade to grey. The shopper frequents
Christmas sales, consumer-driven.
Gone too soon, yet growing stronger,
lies the hope of sense and reason.
Fall, my energetic season,
linger here a little longer.
———
Mary Boren, 2010
