you are fall
you are the absence of warmth on early morning with sleep in my eyes
the teasing sunshine that makes rare appearances
the gray from my lips as I let go of unspoken words.
when you come, I have to hide more of myself.
exposing myself to you has grown so uncomfortable.

you let everything die
and not in the merciful manner of winter, not swiftly,
but drawn out.
early nights and denial of light
I find myself always wondering the alleyways alone.
death has never been so beautifully colored
I have never dreaded October so much.