Autumn

The slanting, golden light
ushers in
the beginning
of a chill in the air.

Leaves turn dry
and curled bark drops,
casting faint shadows
on the grass,

signaling an end
to warm, summer days -
beckoning longer twilights
and warm, winter nights.

Night Sounds

The cool, dark woods
usher in an orchestrated medley,
a chorus
of glorious night sounds.

Throaty frog voices
rise up in swirling tones,
while the cicada's lengthy,
low-pitched call
ascends and falls.

Hear now the cracking
and snapping of twigs -
perhaps a lonely deer,
or a less benign creature?

A distant car rolls and hums,
while autumn beckons,
the sweeter scents of summer
fading to deep, dense, earthy smells.

We may still lull and rest,
but hidden life beats strong,
for the woods ring out in a song
of glorious night sounds.

- Elisabeth