september

these are my favorite days
when the summer’s shellacking
is painted over by fall’s crisp palette
of expectancy and comfort

I want to match the colors
with aromas savory and sweet —
layers of flavor and hope that
sustain as the nights grow longer

and winter hangs on the horizon
barren branches and grey mornings
the chill that goes bone-deep
as the world curls up and falls asleep

on my best wide awake days I see
the trees — each one a burning bush
their leaves flaring up and letting go
letting go and falling to earth

I turn on the lights in the kitchen
and stir the same reds and oranges
in the pan relishing the sound of the
squash and peppers — suppertime

yes, these are my favorite days
when we eat supper in the early dark
and remember we too are falling
falling — and love will catch us

Peace
Milton