autumn as metaphor...

Indian Summer

summoned by Autumn to make

her final curtain call

after Autumn heightened her glory

she secretly wished to retreat
but held on for just awhile longer

does she weep?

does she leave quietly

and gracefully?

she had sensed Winter  lingering in wait
yet he made no demands
because he knew his fate

she felt fragile, depleted, spent...

after all she had given,

 though, as is her way,
 she gave freely and with love
yet,  even as she gave,  the giving took something from her
it had to, as a sign to re-build her strength
for her next vital performance

~

why does she hang on till the twelfth month's near end,

after all her sacred beauty has gone?

because
even though her time is short

the letting go, is always painful...

©

2009
image source: spirit of autumn_il_ 430xN.56319247