The Colours of October

Neon skies trumpet the blues

trees swaying with the beat.

Scarlet leaves have rhythm too

            and dance around their feet.

Chrysanthemums are everywhere

            taking over ledges.

Rust and red and multi-hued

            all around the edges.

They snuggle up with corn and squash

            in tones of green and yellow.

Through golden beams and honeyed air

            soft and warm and mellow.

Sadly, some who pass this way

            savour none of this blissful day.

Too soon the evening chill is here

            with hints of woodsmoke drifting near.

This frosty weather,

            ever bolder -

makes the nightfall even colder.

Sad farewell dear blue and gold,

            by dawn your colours fade away.

A new day enters,

            clad in mourning.

Cloaked with mist of sombre grey.

M. Kennedy