Autumn,2013 Poem by Michael Shutt

Autumn 2013

I took a walk
this afternoon
as Summer passed
to memory,
Alone,
With just my thoughts
to keep me company.

I set out,
and saw a bright blue sky,
found comfort in
an Autumn Sun
and sauntered past
some old indifferent landmarks,
on an aged indifferent street
called Sycamore.

And thought ahead.

'What lies in store? '

As Soltice Heat in June
Bows to September Equinox;
Think, more than once,
I'd pay for Autumn
to forestall
upcoming loss.

I've always liked
the Heralding of Spring.

The Emerald Leaves
show signs of changing
to a pale, transcendent form.

And when they drop,
I know I'll mourn.

And then,
I'll ponder new born Spring,
idyll in in Season
freshly born.

And let Mums
balm a heart that's torn
with fresh perfume,
and let the gentle
Queen of Spring
enfold in Alabaster Arms
my troubled soul,
and plant fresh life
in field of
trepidation Autumn.

I've always liked
the Heralding of Fall.

Except-
This year-
when Fall gives way
to icy Winter;
Expectant Grief
is buried under
Six Feet of
cold indifferent snow.

Where can I go?

But to the
loving arms of Spring?

The seasons change
past the dying Light of Autumn.

Into Winter's
callous gall.

Thank God for Spring-

With childlike hope,
I'll always like
the Heralding of Fall.

MRR