Some years,

September exits in a swish of scarlet, and

October dawns dappled in gold.

But this year,

October is opulent in shimmering emerald velvet.

Forests hold back their  adornment.

The morning whispers on wisps of fog beyond

“I will wait.”

All around the lake, summer aches for more time,

grips tight to verdant hues,

and as October embraces green

its ochre arms

bide

the firey glory

of autumn.