Autumn is a lovely word
that lingers on the tongue
full and round as a pumpkin.
Fall is quick
lean as a stick.
An imperative
not to be denied
no matter the richness
of the harvest.
Bridget Harwell
The End of October
Bushels of leaves
hang on the trees
with not a wisp of wind
to shake them.
Like paratroopers
on the edge of plunge
they wait
one
two
three
all
fall
down
