over the past weeks
a gentle autumn sun
has painted colored leaves
upon the ground
and thinned
the bright abundance
of the wooded ranges

most of the harvest
is securely stored by now
or sold at morning markets
by weathered men and women
in country garbs

vintners are busy with their lots
fermenting grapes
and entertaining those
who see their visit
as pleasant pastime and escape
from daily urban chores

hunters and lumbermen
are waking up
to shoot and mark

schools by this time
have settled into the new year
teachers are happy still to share
the knowledge of our world
with students still inclined
to listen

businessmen
remembering their vacations
on the Bahamas or in Saint Tropez
step sprightly into offices
womanned by secretaries dreaming secretly
of beautiful Mallorca summers
and of those never-ending nights
on the Algarve

I guess it is a human thing
to find a new beginning
and do best
when nature’s breath goes easy
to collect the strength
for yet another fruitful year

or were it better
that we also took a rest?

           * *

One of me and my cousins
favorite places to play
Was behind Papas shop
I can still smell the saw dust
Repairs were made
That one could trust
Made from cinder blocks
Was a minnow pond
There is where Papa
Raised his own fishing bait
The wild blackberry field
Grew thorny on the other
Side of the gate
Best times of my youth
Spent on The Hill
Jumping off the pumphouse
Drawing in the sand
Playing chase with my cousins
While waiting for Grandma's
Sunday dinner,
Youth was so grand
Uncle Beaty's trailor was at the center Of the hill,  where his sister's took turn Caring for him, where his wisdom
Was instilled
When I brought Uncle Beaty
His dinner I would stay
To listen to his prayers
He placed in my heart
God's truth deeply within
Protecting me from my future of sin
For the simpleness of life
The greats of my family
Have revealed to me
Is to spread the love of
Jesus,  your heart will be
♡♡♡Set free♡♡♡

Storm in the sky, storm in my soul
Injustice in the world makes sense
To whom, I do not know
Those who give all
Ask not much in return
Always seem to be the one
Who has the least of others concern
Storm in the sky, storm in my soul
I pray for God's peace to sustain control
Amen