October poem

October

A four-year-old perfectionist
designed the pumpkin face.
Her unpracticed hand labored
patiently to achieve the
smiling, star-nosed, heart-eyed vision
seen by her mind’s eye and transformed
into glowing exuberance, innocence shining
goldenlight in the dark night.

Cinnamon sticks, orange slices and cloves float
in honey-sweetened apple cider.

Young hardwood trees planted in a grove
join the potpourri of leaves quilting the earth:
cradle of spice, autumn seasonings
robust upon us:
turmeric igniting hickory leaves,
saffron and paprika flaming the maples,
sycamores seeping curry lime,
sweet gum saplings waxing molasses,
oaks boasting caramel, nutmeg, cayenne.

The pantry of the world
flavors the forest, feeds our vision.
Together we feast.

Winter’s sugars and cocoas will emerge
later for dessert

--diana tigerlily, 2001