Autumn's End

It fell slowly.

     A breath of wind broke its last fragment of strength

And the little red leaf touched the brittle grass

     For the first time.

Quietly, it came.

     Like blinds turning slowly for the eyes to see.

The trees that change their colors are dying

     And yet, so very beautiful.

Day hastens to night.

     Pink clouds are like chalk against a slate-blue sky,

Until the rain gently washes the chalk away

     And lulls the world to sleep.

 Frost shavings

     Mount like peaks on a vein of scarlet cranberries
 While the faint scent of perfume on my coral sweater

     Reminds me of last fall.

  I remember how

     We tossed a football in the yard, and I was content

  Just spending time with you as orange leaves cascaded

      Between us.

  Now, outside my window,

       Flecks of gold litter the apple orchard floor

  Like fragrant petals that follow a wedding.

       I won’t rake them today.

Copyright 2011 by Ashley Williams