A TIME OF AUTUMN

The scorchless fires of Autumn winds

Sear trees in scarlet, tan, russet and gold.

The hills seem consumed with flames

That leap and bound about  the hills,

Blending maple reds into aspen golds.

A scarlet sumac accents evergreen firs

Covering the broad valley floor,

Suggesting the fine old faces on elders

Delicately tinted in love light.

Finely sculptured lines of living

Adorn each and every elder in our midst,

Yet shining through the everyday living stress

Is an inward glow of eternal youthful life

That whispers like the Autumn winds

Of joy and the courage to face their fears

And greet each day with eagerness.