Autumn's Ardent Cry


There is a tangible spirit here,
A vibration in the light.
A chimera,
An impregnated dream of futility.
A promise nothing or no one could keep.

It is the fearless call of the phoenix.
Autumn's ardent cry.
Squalls of its paper tears
Tumbling from the cornflower heavens to the earth.
It is the intrepid vow to renew

Above me... endless.
A butterscotch ceiling
Spattered with the crimson cuts
Of pin oaks, silver maples
And Appalachian sassafras.

Iroquois chant on restless wind...
It is the great bear, slain,
Its blood dripping from the stars to the forest.
Its fat dripping to coat the canopy.
A ghost dance,
Its furtive spirit
Snarling in the slats of feckless sun.