The crush
of fallen leaves underfoot
me longing
for sunlit evenings
lost to daydreams
summer
mortal as the rest of us
even as I mourn your passing
I thrill
to the cacophony of crows at dusk
lining the trees
along my homeward walk
gather the murder
it’s time to roost
eat roots and soup
hold hands
light candles
wear sweaters
write letters
stargaze
let’s not waste
these shortened days
pining for the summer sun,
for seasons past and still to come,
this year I will make friends
with autumn