The Visitor

Autumn came visiting today.
Dog and I were sitting on the verandah,
     sniffing the air, 
     feeling the sun, 
     hearing the chakra of the wind
     and the mantra of the pines.  

She was a little piqued
that I had so quickly forgotten
     all we had shared 
          last year.
Her pure cool breath 
whispered truths
that caused me to          forget
     frivolous Summer.

We danced, briefly,
in the crisp sunlight
of the sympathetic day,
until Dog turned away,
     seeking his own elemental,
     or an errant scent.

She awakens me,
and, in the purity of her days,
     refreshes my spirit,
and bestows
tranquillity, harmony,
     and peace.

~James D. Fanning 
16 September, 2010