Breath of Autumn

Ice crystals hang,

Suspended in air.

Dislodged by my breath,

They prickle my cheeks

With the icy taunt

Of winter’s coming.

*

Trees burn bright,

In yellow and red,

Scorching my eyes,

They reflect the sun,

And allow me to stare

As its fire rules the sky.

*

Frost spreads its blanket

Of icy white,

Surrounding the roots

Of the sleepy trees,

Sends chills to awaken

Their slumbering branches.

*

A bright-yellow maple

Soon shivers in sunlight,

Sending its fire

To ward off the cold

As the layers of color

Again conjure warmth.

*

Such wonder exists

In the days between seasons

When fire and ice

Meet in colorful contrast;

When Summer and Winter

Collide in the Fall.

©Pamela Stead Jones 2010

Today I am thankful for my family, who love me and pick me up when I fall.