BEFORE THE COLD

Autumn moves me with its beauty,

Richly hued in russets...golds.

Brilliant, vibrant, touched with fire,

It spreads its warmth before the cold.

Living leaves break free from branches,

Vines, and trees, and growing things,

To fall and so adorn the Earth,

Before the cold that winter brings.

One last burst of flame and light,

Before the quiet white descends;

One last surge of life and breath,

Just before the circle’s end.

Spring brought promise, summer heat,

But Autumn’s glory fills the soul,

Spilling out its cup of color,

Painting life before the cold.

Then will come the winter veil,

To spread its sheet upon the Earth,

Draping it in cleansing frost;

Swaddling clothes for Spring’s new birth.

To everything there is a time,

A season for the life and soul.

The best of times, I think, is Autumn,

Rich and full before the cold.