I Begin in Autumn

There was light
one day
that lit
my way.

There were leaves,
reds and golds
that blew down
amber roads.

There were birds
that sang
as school
bells rang.

There were coats
pulled tight
because the wind
would bite.

Cheeks turned to apples
and noses would sniff
at the autumn air
Oh, how I miss the whiff
of the brownstone chimneys
exhausting burnt pine
and the corner bistros
that served coffee and wine.

There were squirrels
digging
throughout the park.
And gas lamps
flickering
as it grew dark.

Taxi's and other cars,
headlights all a glow.
And conversations
turned of snow.

There were hot meals
cooking
and tastes to explore.
Bread puddings, and roasts
mashed potatoes galore.

And the colleges
brimming
with students
so smart.

Young love
always blooming;
thieves stealing
young hearts.

And oh, such a longing
at this time of year,
to wish upon what was;
but it's gone,
I fear.

Still in this season
when most nature dies,
hope springs eternal
and moistens my eyes.

Yes, this is my season
if not my true place.
Sitting out west
but to the east I always face.

Bring me the briskness
the thoughts all anew,
the morning frost,
and the sunsets' hue.

Bring back the laughter
the warmth of the chill.
Styrofoam cups of hot chocolate
liable to spill
across cobblestone sidewalks
where bikes try to pass,
where there is importance
and purposefulness,
and people move fast.

Package the bottle,
let me breathe it all in.
for Autumns' not the ending,
it's where I begin.