Sound of First Frost

Crunch goes the lifeless leaves

As I am bitten by a morning breeze

No matter how many layers I have, I freeze.

I’m frustrated that summer had to leave.

And this is just the start.

The trees rustle in colorful art.

And after the fall hit my heart,

Heat is scarce to leave its indelible mark.

The hard weather assaults my face

The wind whips me into a rush

Its loud whistle is like a warning

A strong winter will be upon us.

We must rush inside

Our breath is seen as ghosts in haste.

The chill gets comfortable

To stay its rightful place.

It’s the sign of an ending;

The home stretch of the year.

I pray for those that are lonely,

Not everyone has holiday cheer.

As my feet and heartbeat

Hit the unforgiving concrete,

I’m curious to see

How life will change desperately.

I yearn for my country girl days.

Though it’s always colder in the woods,

It’s the feeling to be with those that love me.

I left a warmth that was constant and good.

But this warmth outside is now so slight,

Managed by privilege, and not by rights.

Many are left out here,

Staring at wasteful lights.

A beggar’s coins in a cup;

I can hear the desperate rattle.

They rely on our kindness,

Pleading to know they matter.

The Stench of the city

Still sticks to the air.

Capitalism is its partner.

This weather fits the affair.

How are we truly grateful

If we’re passive yet faithful?

We ignore the needy cries

And claim its not hateful.

And as this cold bites

Almost inducing fight or flight,

I’m amazed that indifference

Isn’t touched by flames and riots.

We claim its unintentional

This time of year, is inevitable.

Is our coldness unavoidable?

Our unfruitful apathy, incredible.

But we are all in a struggle

Or so it seems

To hold onto our warmth

Like a childhood fever dream.

It’s a new phase

Because life just goes on.

Onto the next season

Into something cold and long.

We must walk this new path.

It’s the same but barren and fallen.

We assume it will pass

Toward familial callings.

The sound of love and laughter

Help us move like cold snaps don’t matter

It can motivate a space to create

A tender place where hope can gather.

We hope for togetherness

That will be sure to nourish.

Will we be blessed at tables

For our love to flourish?

That first embrace of a loved one

Is like resetting the soul

It brings me back to center

And is more precious than gold.

Will we taste the laughter

Like Ma’s pot roast?

Will we savor life’s best moments

Before we’re all ghosts?

Will we forget it’s cold outside

As we see daylight subside?

Is the sun still gon’ shine?

We now know it’s our lifeline.

Or will we be lacking

Like the poor with no backing?

Some will never be prepared

As Fall starts packing.

This type of winter

Already seems bitter

Before its dead center,

It already gives jitters.

Where sickness can settle.

It may dull our senses too.

Like when COVID took our smell;

A memory of lonely times soon.

I pray that we just stock up

For our immunity and health.

So many lies and scams on shelves

All just for cold-hearted criminal wealth.

I’m hardened by this transition

An unpromising remission.

How else can I make it?

Soon to be frozen in position.

I feel most will make it through

As we enter this season of blues

It’s a frigid road ahead

And I’ll still wish for Spring soon.