Crimson Leaves

Today a crimson leaf or two
Appeared high in the maple tree.
A thousand thoughts from older years
Passed quickly through my memory.

The smell of leaves we set ablaze,

Smoke drifting through the neighbourhood,
The costumes from old Halloweens,
The fences on which pumpkins stood,

The frosty mornings, early nights

And children playing after school,
The sprinklers being locked away
Along with every garden tool,

The walks along old country lanes,

Leaves crackling underneath our feet,
The first hot chocolate of the year
As hands and throats thawed in its heat.

Each Autumn was a special time
That turned our thoughts to family
And once again my thoughts return
With crimson leaves upon a tree.
 
© 2010 Pam H. Murray