We have a paperbark maple tree in the back yard which is always tardy–the last to green up in the spring and the last to glow red in the fall. In fact today it is still green, though that green fades a little more each day. I have photographed it in its last blush through the years (photos dating from the beginning to the middle of November and this year even later).
When that tree is in its full glory, it’s as if there is a warm and magnetic presence outside the window, daring one not to look. It is so lovely, and (sigh) so fleeting. So we slip from one season to the next, in nature and in life.
What is this light?
that window-watches
with a molten glance
all the burnt-orange shades
of lingering Autumn’s dance?
That stains the cool
November afternoon
with pear-gold burnished joy
and flapping goose’s tune?
In windy rain the flakes
of sunlight falling fast.
Drink in this wine
before fall bloom is past!
© 2016 by Violet Nesdoly
Violet Nesdoly 