Harvesting and Darkness

Leaves of maple and ash
turn yellow then brown;
swallowing by the ground.

Sage and thyme cling to the stems
basil, olive oil and pignolia
swallowed by us.





Apples picked
potatoes stashed in the cool and dark
darkness swallows us.

Nasturtiums and Cosmos wilt in the first frost
broccoli and cabbage relish the cold
wallow we in light lost.

Irises and columbine seek earthen warmth
wood piles offer mice a home
we allow darkness a place by the fire.

Flickers and robins gather to the rising of worms
Clay soil slowly softens as greenery returns
Low lay the sun on the horizon.

Mushrooms fruit while fruit falls
Rough-skinned newts reappear
Dark and dank allow life's return

Squash and pumpkin bring soup and seed
Yellow jackets disappear for the year
Swallow darkness and remember brighter days.