Autumn

I squint into bright waves, last of their kind
But somehow those rays burn contentment
The shadows roll and cover my head
Solemn like a judge reads a sentence


We cannot hold those last few rays
Through clever art or reason
Some will see an endless Spring
But none can stop the seasons


I release a laugh with all that is green
A redtail shout--sad but hearty
Our radiant sphere visits less these days
Leaving early for some distant party


Pumpkins linger a few more days
like strangers at a wedding
With color's memoirs kept away
By summerend's rainless setting


One loyal maple tributes gold
With a song too soft to mention
The High King lifts His golden bow
Just a pause to build the tension