AUTUMN AIR

 

   A flight of geese

      on an autumn day

   Black berries droop the vine

      we laughed along the

      riverbank

   And on a gingham spread

      I sipped her wine.

 

   Color-turning leaves

      fill the air

   Shimmering water curtain

      of a fern-framed waterfall

   An iciness touched the breeze

   The clouds few low.

 

   But still we sipped

      and sang

   And spoke of love and

      spring's new beginning

      of babes and strong

      houses to build

      sunlight on our faces.

 

   Shadows grew long

      in the river canyon

   The last of the wine was gone

   She picked up the spread

      breathing mist on the

      autumn air

   A golden leaf tangled

      in her hair.

 

   A stony ford, a windy road

      to home

      before a fire.

 

            I love you.

 

               15 Nov 76