Augury of Autumn

The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. 
~- Lord of the Rings

A curtain of mist descends upon the valley, and the earth radiates redolence in reply. Not far now, not far. Summer's scorching strangle-hold over the sky is overthrown, and silver linings settle in, augury of autumn.  The woods thrive on this; you can hear the whispers, and as the sun sets, somewhere behind that glaucous veil, does the sun settle down to rest? The wind howls beneath the grey wolf sky. There is no moon.
No fanfare sunset with wispy clouds like exploding pastel balloons, no dramatic denouement into dusk - this solstice strikes the world as a shooting star, flickering and brief. I saw one, last night, and wished, for what use superstitions if we cannot smile and dream?



September Sonnet

On this then, Autumn's eve
Aspen greens still leaves deceive
Mulling ciders and chimneys smoking
'neath blankets thick our hearts are warming
From summer's callous, hungry scorching
Borders clearer now, distance greater
Mountain's clouded brow, fog and rainy river
Ocean's wide and growing whisper
Faithless one, can you not believe her?
Or leave her your bleeding heart
Sacrifice - is that not your art?
Like summer sun doth love depart
And parts the seasons into mists
Fall's birthday, dear, blue eyes I've missed


Some things I've never known, cannot know. Patience I work on - need it tarry so long? Trials and tribulations bring joy, right? It is a praying night, a thoughtful night. One of those days where you wake up excited, ready for joyful adventures and friends, and discover they're all significantly busy - is it still the season of love, loveliness, and wildflowers? Silent Saturday, then, and one I've probably procrastinated too long. And church a la mañana. Be peace enough.

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The shape sliding through the underbrush was unseen, though it concealed its passing not. An acrid aroma hovers ominously on the air, the smell of sacrifice or industrial waste? What town was this that assaulted the senses so? Dim lights burned in the valley, silent as stars, and atop the ridge, vertical slits watched, unblinking.