Autumn's Gift by William Burlingame

 AUTUMN’S GIFT

 

Look out from the porch, through crisp,

purified, morning air, awaiting the rising sun. Sky and earth

draw near to other, an instant’s touch, love’s greeting brief.

Welcome is its light, its far reaching, cold warming rays.

 

Nature’s hearth warms the open room.

Step across the floor into the center of the field.

Gaze about and upwards, through the open heavens.

Gifted openness brings release and comfort, within and without.

Mind, body, soul, spirit – embrace.

 

In quiet woods, a place, where, once each year, the sun’s rays

charm their way through a small funnel of tinted leaves;

a far brought, golden glow, come to share a moment on a mossy log.

Time, space, nature – endear.

 

Day’s glorious, glowing orb takes

path across the sky, gives rise to

passing mists and dries away

the dewy shades of night.

 

Aged mountains, forested, resting ridges,

lazy sloping sides and valleys,

their many-colored wraps display.

 

Slow flowing streams carry precious jewels,

journeying home. Quiet ponds descry gay mountain

colors and flocks of leaves, gathered at home’s rim.

A shimmering lake dissolves a many-hued palate.

 

Always faithful, ever loving –

Mother Nature makes ready for the coming year.