I visit the old gem of a pond
the tadpoles ascend from the depths
like champagne bubbles
and just as quickly return to them
then, further on,
I am graced by the winking of a new autumn sun
Peering into the clear, still water,
past the goldfish,
I see a litter of fallen leaves
freshly arrayed at the bottom
A water spider darts
its wake spills an echo of ripples
The lightest of breezes weaves
the most delicate braids
of water surface strands:
an angel’s harp plucking gossamer patterns
The sun breaks free from the clouds
and wreaths me in bright light
The day before was warm
the last of late summer
The dusk brought a storm
a solid wall of clouds loomed
and briefly wept a torrential rain
the passing black swept the sky clean
Now everything has changed
The clean breath of air
The crisp flickering of the leaves
The dimmer but clearer light
A heightened contrast
revealing fresh faces
There is a shiver in my bones
I’m underdressed
in my hoodie, sandals, and overalls
I beg for chocolate
on offer at a nearby table
Later, gazing from my bed,
the sun tickles through my tree
and flits like flame on the folds
of my still-open curtains
as the mild rose band of sunset
hems the grey-blue sky of twilight
Grace-fall
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