"Autumn"

(Composed over a cup of tea in the
early evening of November 3, 2008).

I love autumn!
The cool, brisk air,
Falling golden leaves,
Fluffy gray clouds,
The occasional afternoon drizzle.

Snuggly cashmere sweaters,
Scarves and gloves of rich jewel tones,
Boots, umbrellas, woolen coats.

Harvest festivals and costume parties,
Football season,
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Freshly baked turkey and dressing,
A slice of pecan pie,
Hot apple cider.

Glowing candles,
Pine trees and nativities,
Twinkling Christmas lights.

Autumn is a time of laughter and cheer,
Cuddling together, warming by the fire.
It is the season of thankfulness and annual traditions,
Special time spent with family.

People are more generous this time of year:
Intentionally giving gifts to all they love
And remembering those in need.

The fall is both the ending of a year,
Celebrating its joys and grieving its sorrows,
And it is a new beginning,
A reordering of what truly matters.

Autumn is the time to read a great book,
Catch up with an old friend over a pot of steaming tea.
It is the time to sing carols and jingle bells,
To drop a coin in the kettle,
To rake a widow's leaves,
To warm the heart of a stranger,
To remember the lowly manger.