Farewell to Autumn

Mist hung heavy on the haw
as autumn’s gate gathered pace
heady days of harvest finished
insects have diminished,

Swallows due elsewhere to flourish
gathering before flight
young birds innocent of the enterprise
to fly oceans by,

Depend on boldness of wise birds
who have flown before to reach distant shores
dare on frugal fare of wing and prayer
sparseness that would weary Spartans,

Winter needs waiting out
before a day when some return
and delight again in frenzied flight.

oOo