It’s the last days before autumn.

my aura expels over my dreams

like the pink sunrise peering in my rattling window.

My dog burrows her head under my leg

between blankets & the navy color of dawn’s light.

I’ve passed onto another existence—

The rustling of the breeze tells stories of the vibrations

of the distant maple tree–

& her transformation under the moon from green to bold red.

Her branches stand tall on the mountain;

Leaves swaying softly—

a palette of the goddess’ kisses.

On the last day of autumn,

Air & Earth will commune

in a current of messages.

Leaving the red kisses on the doorsteps of children—

My neighbor, a little boy with a soccer ball

will hold the red leaf to his face—

& the wind will knock & howl at a girl’s window–

awakening the daydreamer, tracing hearts in the dust–

a meeting of laughter will echo

& as winter arrives,

the echoes will warm the maple tree

awaiting to spring with fairy tales

defined in the death of her leaves.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

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Editor: Renée Picard

Photo: courtesy of the author