GOLDEN CROWN

Reveal of the space of time
Between hot and cold -
Furling and unfurling,
Like a flag, flapping in the wind,
Fall, floods the senses with its preponderance
of colors in defiance of mediocrity.
Then rips them off the trees as if it were too much
Excitement
Not just exfoliating but exposing
naked lines and scratches and
the mother that will withstand the coming war.
Her trunk and limbs protecting future possibilities.

In cycles like the lap of waves upon the shore.
Fall reaches for the strength needed –
to be an explorer.

Crackle of wind –
used as paintbrush
on cheeks of little girls
used as whip –
galvanizing preparation
against winter’s knives
soft sometimes – lulling
with
Indian summer stealth – party favors

Autumn is my favorite time
Jumping up and down crispness
Nesting urges to bake an apple pie
Pull of joy
Golden crown of countryside.

By April Curfman