Apples with Leaves

Mid-October

A break in the storm

brings balmy weather,

Changing leaves twist in breeze

but do not abandon branches.

Howling winds that chill toes,

toss branches like cabers

onto brown-hued fields

have not yet arrived.

In mid-October we wait

for transition of seasons:

the arc from warm, sultry days
into fall’s cool, brisk hours.

Dream of summer is long past
while autumn’s entrance
is inexplicably delayed.

Lainie Senechal