October

November is about to chase 

October from the stage

but, 

just now,

she holds her place, 

clutching hard

both to the gifts of summer, 

and her memories of spring.

All the while

her robes change colour 

and her glories fall at her feet.

Sweet October,

in nature as in life,

a transient glory,

but all the more precious

for her fragile beauty 

and her memories.

Trails and Trees

Sometimes it seems that life presents

an impenetrable barrier to me;

all the world standing,
arms akimbo,

blocking my way,

beautiful,
implacable,

and not a little frightening

but if I look long enough

I eventually see

a path through the forest

beckoning to me.

At first it seems 
both wide and welcoming

winding gently,

lit by sunlight,

and cooled by dappled shade

but then
the way grows more difficult,

and barriers appear

and even nature
seems to wind upon itself;
twisting, twisting,
ever-changing.

I fear I've lost my way.

In that moment

- just when I feel most lost -

I see blue sky before me.

It is at first
just a suggestion of light,

but still enough

to keep me going

until I find my way,

arriving at my destination
and,

beautiful as it is,

glorious in light and magnitude,

I know 
I would not appreciate it

half so much

had I not
got lost along the way.