epiphanies of maples

patty m

Epiphanies of Maples (haibun)

Summer's doorway slowly closes.  Through my green window
the tree-line is turning to autumnal hues.
We live in pretense enjoying the warmth of summer-like days;

bright, bold, and crackling
epiphanies of maple
light autumn's fire

crows startled from sleep
shoot up from their roosts in trees
cawing raucously 

darkly wizened shapes
move warily, undeterred
gangs of marauders

through the constellation of hours 
the brown terrain changes with the wind

high autumn forest 
this hallowed place where rainbows
burnish somber views

Winter spreads it's roots and digs in for the first chill
I can feel the traveling clock that urges ageless hands to busy themselves, thus avoiding shadow.  

time falling backwards
rescinds the lighted hours
turning me somber

Ebon sky beyond
thick with a cradle of stars
whitening the air 

marked off calendar
pungent scents of family feasts
happy thanksgiving  

Soon there will be snow
the blessing of starry nights
and changing seasons

window of time, shut 
against this cold winter's night
mirroring my face

in my heart red maples throb