By: Linda M Crate

pumpkin scented
autumn afternoons scattered in
citrine, gold, scarlet, emerald, and rust
fall has graced us with
apples and beauty;
you stand complaining of the coming
winter
always taking for granted
these moments we cannot get back
just as you took me
for granted—
always thought that i’d just stand stuck
like glue to the past
of memories,
but i ventured out and beyond you
found i did like it better when you refused to
speak to me;
we are friends no more
though i have forgiven you i no longer want you
in my life—
sitting in the balm of this beautiful sunshine
all that angers me is the thought of
you,
and so like an autumn leaf dying in winter
i wish you would fall away from me
evermore.