Outono...

When gems of summer look tired and sad, we clean up reluctantly;
When autumn colours replace summer's jewels, it happens gradually.
By the time summer's packed and put away, warm russetts and reds catch our eye;
Crimson and gold step softly in and we haven't had time to spy.
When we watch flocks of geese flying south, suddenly all is clear;
The seasons have changed in the blink of an eye - the fall of the year is here.
When we take a deep breath of crisp autumn air, it's a tonic and a relief,
And we know we have secretly waited for this - the season that's hallowed, but brief.
Stately spruce, green balsam and pine accentuate amber and cream;
And when coloured leaves float silently down they're a blanket on which we can dream
Of pumpkin and spice, and family, gathered around the fire,
Mesmerized by autumn's treasures - all that a heart could desire.

Joan Adams Burchell