Autumn's Fall from Grace

She lingered around too long

like some tart,

with a come-hither look

in a thread bare gown,

that was flimsy and thin,

and would soon fall apart.

She mellowed when flattered

by sun's amber ray,

but turned suddenly sulky,

toward battle ship grey.

She was slovenly too,

and ignored all the messes;

when breezing on through

she shook out her tresses.

As the rains mourned her beauty

so faded and worn,

She shivered -

but cast her last garment aside.

By dawn she felt colder,

and seemed so much older.

She'd slipped away then,

and abandoned her pride.

M. Kennedy