Autumn - summer's delightful child
Whimsical, frolicsome, mirthful,
You prance down green pastures
Splashing your colours in wildest ecstasy.
Daub the tree tops crimson scarlet
Till the branches are aflame.


A romping pup on a rampage
You strip the trees of their leaves
And send them fluttering down
You ruffle the mulch
Till they turn to pulp
Then scamper off in glee


A merry prankster out for pleasure
You dab forlorn sky
With streaks of golden hues
You stipple sienna red
On roof tops and brambles
And revel when they blush


Does your boisterous gaiety belie an expediency
That winter lurks beneath?
Palm off encroaching winter
Bring forth the child in me
Let me drink your elixir
Embody your juvenility


Linger on, for winter will have his place.