Autumn Findings

Come with me,

through the trees

as they take their last breath

of Fall.

Together,

just you and me,

will witness the glory

of enzymes slipping from leaf to storage

to root through soil

as Earth takes care of hibernation.

We will sit upon a damp log,

one that is sturdy and sprouting

pale mushrooms and hardened sap

and take in the darkening sky,

ever gray and expansive.

We will point out the chipmunks

and mimic their fattened cheeks

as we act brave to every random rustle

of the crackling brown leaves.

When the coming chill travels down your spine,

as electric as the tree's final crack,

I will throw my jacket over you

and though all I wish to do

is hold you close,

I will walk you home instead.

The fallen ginkgo berries pop,

and the sudden swell of bitter smell

unleashed in yellow jelly

splat so crudely that you laugh so sweetly

and warm our autumn bodies.

I let your gloved hand go,

once we make it back to town

but I keep you in my sight

as the orange glow of Halloween lights

embrace you on my behalf.