Lucky rhodopsin
Here comes October
They didn't need to be fiery
It's a happy accident

Lactic acid--
For all the right reasons
Churning and burning
Through all four seasons.

Notice all our forms
Passing through
They're sure and they're sharp
And they all stand true

The sumac's proud cones
The retreating turtle
The dew on our shoes
And a nice crape myrtle

And if my hands get cold
I'll just warm them up
Thanks for the soup--
I'll put it
To good use!