Frost's Eve

Did I reap the vegetables? Did I harvest grain?

Did I secure it all within? Was it worth the pain?

My weather knee is aching, change is on the way,

I must cover up my herbs, ‘fore soaking pain away.

Always rushing, rushing, rushing, to hear the news so late,

That killing frost, it comes tonight – did I wash the plates?

Did I pack the chickens? Dogs? The cats? What did I miss?

What else must be blanketed till winter’s frozen kiss?

Did I buy hot chocolate? Did I stop the mail?

Did I wash my children? Is my face too pale?

All right, now I’m panicking, it’s just a little frost,

Comes this time most every year, it’s not a total loss.

But I like to celebrate, in a quiet manner,

Let us get a gentle sleep, under frost-furred banner,

Let it calm a frantic heart, let it soothe a nation,

Draw together in the wonder of crystallization.

Wrap me in a blanket, let me get a book,

I’ll wait out the cooling temperature in a cozy nook.

Let me read by moonlight, shrouded in the dark,

Till time turns crepuscular, and Luna leaves her barque.

If you think there’s warning, then you don’t know Jack,

He does his artwork silently, leaves around the back.

It’s naturally quite angular, fractal arabesque,

Penmanship that’s quite precise, like an accountant’s desk.

Morning sun shows of refraction, showing off its glory,

Draped festoons on river trees, limning limbs so hoary.

Whatever color autumn gave, is shattered like a bell,

All the sleeves of fallen leaves, now display hues pastel.

Can you see the crunch? Can you taste the crisp?

Solar warmth melts fairy scene, sublimating wisp.

Worries drip like water, marvel at the scene,

I wish you had been there with me, you’d know what I mean.