Auburn Fall

Abruptly, the wind got crisp

sunny smiles turned upside down

hereafter twinkle of will-o'-wisp

lights the way to ghost town.

The advent of All Hallows' Eve

invisible veil wears through

drought's martyrs silver ropes reave

ghastly locusts crops, voraciously, chew.

Dead leaves floating in the air

trees stretch their skeletal fingers

clusters of wretched figures

lifting up wilted hands in prayer.

The forest grasping for lost youth

dog days, a fair-weather friend

vanished into the fog in the end

escaped bad times in a manner uncouth.

Falling golden and crimson leaves glisten

phantom fireflies in catatonic dance

resting place, red carpet, soon-to-be tisane

laid down to greet first rain by happenstance.

Balefully, clouds gathering over tree husks

transient apparel under nebulous fresco

on branches every feathered traveler embarks

on a journey following the mellow echo.

Reverberations of a promised land

with giant days and sweeter wine

tales fed by beaks pointing at the skyline

while the will was still nascent and crammed.

Migratory spirits moving out

skein as arrow aimed at a distant clout

flying along the designated zephyr section

flocks led by the seasoned pilots' inflection.

Planetary shift masked by overcast skies

palette mixing passion with gloom

sombre tones reminiscence exhume

the firmament wells up, finally cries.

Flashes of sadness in the lurid lightning

riot time dalliances past are stifling

effusion through hoarse thunder

bevy of animals in lodgings shudder.

The welkin, repentantly, the earth shall kiss

her parched parts, untended, he being remiss

first with drizzle, then rain, after some deluge

his concrete reparation, her face paints rouge.

Insolation, given stockpiled rays, severe heatstroke

precipitation, the suspenseful cure

rot sluiced by torrential downpour

nature celebrates, likewise, her townsfolk.

Stormy weather is a nagging frenemy

regulator, in battle with entropy

cotton thoughts scud, ergo, inertia rejection

needle rain pricks in this acupuncture session.

Multitude of droplets forming streams

a world so thirsty, the water redeems

sylvan orchard's branches, afresh, heavy

autumnal sugariness is paid no levy.

The calm before and after the squall

emergent earthen fragrance from damp ground

humid change is palpable all around

tranquillity of a lake reflecting the auburn fall.

Reconciliation between soil and the sky

autumn equinox commenced a sacred rite

vermilion cups exchange at twilight

first harvest offerings, fauna wassails hereby.

Woodpeckers drill holes into the gourds
squirrels chip away at the insides of turnips
foxes bring the fire to light each little furnace
beaming Jack-o'-lanterns ward off the wraith hordes.

Behold! The heralds of new beginnings rise

pallid stalks, courtly ruffs, fancy caps

emit spores leeching life off demise

garden gnomes, unnoticed, in the cracks

love letter laden burlap sacks.