With just a suggestion
of winter to come,
the yearly dance of dark and light
called autumn has begun.

While we prepare to enjoy the dance,
sipping some tart warm cider,
with as much anticipation as need
we carefully light the first fires.

Orange and black and candy for sacks,
celebrations of bounty,
hours of daylight
to save their might,
begin to turn in early.

Autumn is excited for the holidays to begin
but for now
she is content,
for anticipation is made all the sweeter
when time arrives as its hour is meant.

© Joel Tipple