Villanelle to Fall

Norm Walker

Keep eyes wide open in the thin fall light;
Color abounds in October, warm or cool.
Soon, too soon, we’ll dwell in winter night.

Leaves spin down the streets, golden bright,
Like girls in yellow dresses dancing to school.
Keep eyes wide open in the thin fall light.

Blue hydrangeas, red dahlias, and daisies white:
They flood the yards as if in some grassy pool.
Soon, too soon, we’ll dwell in winter night.

Color fades, children head home in flight;
Fall’s no longer gay, but darkly cruel.
Keep eyes wide open in the thin fall light.

On late November days, cold winds bite;
Snow may fall, color’s gone, bare trees rule.
Soon, too soon, we’ll dwell in winter night.

In early fall we found a gem, held tight;
By late November, though, we lost the jewel.
Keep eyes wide open in the thin fall light.
Soon, too soon, we’ll dwell in winter night.


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November, 2009