Autumn Poem by John F. McCullagh

Thank you, Lord, for the simple pleasures of this autumn day.
My morning coffee's aroma still lingers in the air.
I sit and watch as a troupe of skiffs navigate the windy bay
And the mighty oak beside my house begins to shed its care.

I can just imagine being out there at the helm,
In that lead boat, dancing with the wind,
as it skirts the border of King Neptune's realm.
Alas, I am old, too old now to realistically begin.

My pet dog, Shannon, sneaks his head
beneath my hand; It is his invitation to a walk.
I fit his leash with my gnarled arthritic hands.
He strains to lead and guides me to the park.

The wind is strong; I'm thankful for the Sun
who does his part to ease the winter chill.
The days when Sun is absent soon will come,
But I am happy as autumn lingers still.