'THE EXQUISITE AIR UPON THEIR SUMMITS'

'With what transporting
sensation...' I gasp
'...the air altogether inspired?'

I breathe it all in
'...as often as
a showy October would allow!'

I watch the leaves leave
'What feelings
have they?'

if only the air
could talk
what does it think

of the trees
changing
their dresses

or standing stark
naked now
at the height of winter

Miss Austen
breaks into my mind
scattering my senses

'And just who do you
think you are, Sir!"
Jane rages

"And what are you
doing with my words!'
she fumes

I try to explain
that it is an in-text
quotes poem

'La Sir, I may be
dead but not dead
to the world

I have kept abreast
of recent literary
conventions!

Pray Sir, I beg you
put my words back
where you found them!'

"But Jane..."
I implore her
"Look at the leaves!"

she turns on her heel
leaving my mind
throwing her words at me

'It is not everyone
who has your passion
for dead leaves!"

*

My In-text quotes poem borrowed from Miss Austen's SENSE AND SENSIBILITY for which I profoundly apologised to the lady all to no avail and I could not escape her wrath