In Autumn

 The calendar says we have a month of autumn yet...

Now we are gently tethered by yokes of necessity

The sky once full of afternoon dips dusk-ward constantly

And we are not so taken by an hour anymore

But rather by Time’s moments tumbling wave on wave to shore

We learn to dance more slowly in the toil of humble task

We learn to drink more wholly from love’s joy-and-sorrow flask

We learn to be patient where intention misunderstood

Vexes the heart of us yet tempers our attitude

Our tears are rich with memories and hope for what will be

Our years are quickened benedictions to Time’s spending spree

Our fears are keen and earnest, our faith at best, a seed

As we thank God for mercy-moments succoring our need

In autumn we begin to heed that inner reprimand

To linger longer where the aftermath of touch expands

And shadow-like we sense upon fall’s dissipating days

A subtle key-change in the wind and winter in its gaze

© Janet Martin