It's Coming

Have you heard........

                The rattle of dry leaves blowing down the sidewalk?

                The cries of the Canada geese overhead?

Have you noticed......

                The squirrels and chipmunks are awfully busy?

                The birds are starting to gather?

Have you felt........

                The crispness in the mornings?

                The sunshine isn't as bright as it was?

Have you thought.....

                About delicious sweaters and gorgeous suede boots?

                About fireplaces and candlelight?

The morns are meeker than they were--

The nuts are getting brown--

The berry's cheek is plumper--

The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf--

The field a scarlet gown--

Lest I should be old fashioned

I'll put a trinket on.

Emily Dickinson, 1858