seasonal rites

Four crows and a busy red squirrel
mine the rain soaked yard
for rising worms and  fallen seeds
the Autumn brings change

The red maples are first to show
colors of the seasonal rites
while ragweed and goldenrod
tease the eyes and bring on sneezes
the undeniable coolness settles overall

There may be fewer trains on the south side
as the beans and corn harvests dwindle
and the lush green canopy that danced
to songs of summer winds  will gracefully
begin to bare arms and shoulders

Nature plants and man harvests
a world of bounty for all of its parts
calling crows, chirping crickets, and cicada shrills
fill the constant chorus

and a cooler wind invites a layer of cloth
to wrap for the end of this year,
In beauty, bounty, and a wondrous abundance

I  begin my long yearning
for spring- again