I noticed again this morning
how the forest has turned
from emerald to jade, a sign
of the leaves’ preparation
for the coming grand farewell.
So soon? Ah, yes.
Here and there, I spot
yellow leaves dancing with
the green, a trial red leaf
fallen to the ground,
and vines tinged crimson
climbing up the trees.
But today, as I drove around
a bend, a sea of gold tumbled
down to the edge of the road,
splashing summer all over my face.
I licked the sunshine, warm
as honey, from my lips
and its sweet taste lingered
all the way home as I drove
through a tunnel of jade August trees.