autumn leaves drift in currents

waltzing, whirling breathlessly

twisting and turning to the beat

of summer’s lingering epilogue

 

the faint trickle of pine and spice

apple-cinnamon cascades

float weightlessly just out of reach

a slow crescendo

building to a climax

flooding the senses with dreams of

family, food, comfort, warmth

 

enter rain, the first chimes

echoing bells

sounding on windows and pavement

the warmth of firewood and hot cocoa

quiet and comforting

a low harmony blending with the storm

 

echoing afterthoughts

 

transitioning into

the slow dance of winter