Autumn leaves
In the gutter
So beautiful
A muddle of colors
Serrated shapes
And wet dirt.
Ruddy and ragged, yet…
Grand and enticing
As an evening sky,
Spread with clouds and lights…
Where magic lies,
Long like a snake
Across the horizon-line
Between
The known and the unknown.
The snake rolls over
And the rhythm of expectation fails
—I am assailed by total natality.
I see my leaves again,
That I opened my eyes to,
And my thoughts and feelings
—Suddenly so pointed and fresh—
Are all made so new, so incredible
That appreciation is unavoidable.
And it is all so wonderful that I must wonder
If all things cannot be this good.
