Falling Leaves

Falling leaves mark the beginning
     of natures fast . . .
       Winter is coming

Hear her Icy bell blowing distance
   through your memory,
       as trees half naked
       spot the ground with clearer vision

         “Oh alas, the winds of autumn run
              captive through my soul,
          And place the stones in order
              spring doth disavow

           Whose cold reprieve an answer grants
                 in frosted shortened light,
            To spread new life upon this breast,
                — and natures womb”

(Villanova Pennsylvania: November, 1977)