Autumn: Three Leaves

I

The smile of fall

a rare and fleeting gift

like that of one whose visage

is reflexively severe

from discipline built up through years

of self-constraint, of striving for the prize

the burnished glow of mastery

that shines through fruit and crimson leaf

against impassioned skies.

II

But no

for fall speaks of the grace of letting go

the end of effort and the floating backward

tumbled down, but glinting brilliant

not because of winning

but for all the steady time beneath the sun

falling as a blanket to the earth

now that the kiss of summer’s done.

III

in every Autumn day

three faces

one for looking forward

one for looking back

one for looking inward

toward what glows against the lack

When green retreats

the inner fire

will find its core

and flame up higher.

©Wendy Mulhern

November 1, 2011