Autumn

Out driving around in the gloomy, drizzly, foggy day
Drinking in the beauty of the autumn trees 

Not the same brilliant beauty they radiate with the backdrop of a crisp blue sky, 

But a different beauty, more morose, more reflective

As if they know this is their last chance to show their glory for the year  

The beauty itself is a harbinger of the season to come with all it's delights

Chilly nights curled up in sweaters and blankets

In front of a blazing fire

With a loved one, a book, a cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider

 Feeling cozy, enveloped in comfort, warmth, and blessings

  Thinking, maybe dreaming, about the Holiday Season

The brilliance of the first snow

The spices in the air and on our tongues

Thanksgiving, Christmas

Gatherings of beloved family and friends

 The reflections of a year ending

 The promise of a new one to begin 

Maybe that's a lot to ascribe to the beauty of a tree

but every year this is what autumn means to me