Clouds roll in
and temperatures
drop
and as crisp air
slips into lungs
pulled deep
to cleanse
fingers reach
to touch
fingertips
with yours
to tease
light touches
along your palm
before sliding into
your larger hand
In the forest
among the stones
even the moss
shifts its colors
to greet winter’s
chilly nip
with a
fuzzy red beard
like a blanket
as the
most tender
of green
is put to bed
until spring
Sweet gifts
made by hand
filled
with the energy
of the heart
arrive
and as envelope
opens
breath catches
and a smile
spreads
along with
the glow
of warmth
they bring to bear
Sunrise shines
golden and bright
through
through autumn fog
as morning breaks
on the promise
of a new day
and the air
crisp with
winter’s approach
stings the sinuses
and whispers
of colder days
soon to come
The grit of sand
between
cold, wet toes
as sea grasses
tease at ankles
and water laps
against
goosefleshed skin
creating ripples
with each step
as the blue beyond
whispers promises
that coax each step
to be followed
by another