Autumn Comfort

Early morning dew,

Smell maple, birch and cedar

In frigid glacier air.

The world overslept,

Warm beneath the comforters

Damp, bitter creeps near.

Garden has flourished,

Picking, processing, canning

Abundant harvest.

Neat parallel rows,

Plump squash, sweet peas and cornstalks

Ready for taking.

Sunflower’s still bloom

The hummingbirds have left south,

Squirrels are bustling.

Pears have ripened and

Apples leap from their branches,

The bear feasts on plums.

Mist has laid its claim,

Upon the blight-bitten grass

Time to plant garlic.

Amongst the forest

Give thanks for mushroom forage

Flourish in decay.

Morning aromas,

Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice

Savour pumpkin pie.

Playground at recess,

Awaits a blanket of white

Scarves for the children.

Turned leaves spiral dance,

In the daybreak troposphere

Red, orange, yellow.

Cascading pedals,

Autumn’s first frost hath fallen,

Your wee hand grasps mine.