The Pale Approach

Sun’s warming light
Gives way to branches
Gilded in crimson and gold
A subtle chill
As shadows grow long
Autumn arrives
On wind in trees
Rust and firelight
Weave tapestries
Last glimpse of life
As color gives way
To impending gray
The pale approach
Of bitter, fucking cold
Winter arrives
On frozen leaves
Frost and candlelight
Autumn’s reprieve