Autumnal
written by: Amita Sarjit Ahluwalia
@AmitaPaulIAS
When the winds of winter sweep the last of summer
From the fields and forests, from branches of trees
When the days decline and the nights grow longer
And crickets take over from bees
When the mists come quicker and linger till noon
And the night cats howl at the Harvest Moon
And stories grow sleepy by warm fires’ ease
Then auburn Autumn’s turning umber.
Now the waters are blue when the sky’s clear and crisp
The clamour of rivers before winter’s freeze
The glum greys will soon still the hectic leaves’ lisp
And harsh hurricanes hound the last blowsy breeze
A time of transition a season of shifts
The blue greens of swallows the soft grays of swifts
The old will feel it in their backs and their knees
As chimney smoke twists in a wisp.
Now apples are plentiful peaches are ripe
And cobblers and pies and jams fill the kitchens
With summer camps ends the snaffling of snipe
Get grouse hunting guns mind your mittens
Follow footsteps of ferals who forage for food
Knit sweaters and fit head and neck in a snood
Mend your shelter and that of your kittens
Spend the long evenings playing your pipe.
- Autumnal - October 16, 2024
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