AUTUMN SPLENDOR

The grove is arrayed
in glorious robes
of crimson and gold
dazzling in the afternoon light.

Cottony white clouds dance
across a cerulean sky.
Squirrels chatter boisterously
wary of my approach.

A downy woodpecker
hitches up a tree half overgrown
with Morning Glory vines,
feasting greedily.

One tree stands bare,
gnarled limbs twisted around
as if a woman, naked,
trying to conceal herself.

Autumn winds whispers
secretively, chilling my ears
arousing faded memories
and I feel insignificant.