Golden summer begins to wane
And the bright sunlight softens again
Parching the leaves
Turning them to burnished gold.

The wind softens to breezes
And the leaves lose their hold
Drifting to the ground
Soft and gently spreading
A golden blanket all around.

As I walk beneath the trees
The parched leaves
Crunch with each step.

The berries on the dogwood tree
Turn to scarlet clusters hanging there
Waiting for the birds to feast
Or drop like ruby jewels to the ground
To be gathered and strung as a garland
Circling the Christmas tree.

My heart fills with wonder at what I see
And I view it with thanksgiving and awe
Praising the Creator who made it all.

ŠJane Ward Smith
October 19, 2008
E-mail