I’ve taken the fall
felt the wind
rushing past

At times

Other times
the leaves still
or just barely
moving
their rustle crisp
as the season
advances

But it’s the color
that stays with me
even Missouri’s
subdued hues
after New York’s
vibrant splash

Color lacking
occasional yellow
of sycamore
overcome by lackluster
pale shades
of hickory and ash
oak in pale brown
or brown barely red

Seldom is a maple seen
mocking their efforts

But in New York
maples reign supreme
my favorite place
the gorge at Letchworth
red
amber
the palest yellow
the leaves heralding
their exit with a flourish
images and memories
to last through the winter

I’ve taken all
of the seasons

Autumn is my favorite