Late October

Along the Blue Ridge Pkwy - The Gated Path

Late October

Blackgum and sourwood blaze glorious 

along with sumac & mountain's virginia creeper.

Always planned vacations 'round 

this early showcase of razzle dazzle

but living here now, I'm quietly charmed

with the finale of oranges and yellows of every shade;

hoard these smoldering days of birch, sassafras, and oak -

breath deeply knowing soon all will be equal beneath my feet.

Brown and brittle will be blown away 

or cease to crunch long before first freeze and flurry,

but for now the sun's upon my face 

and the milkweed pods gently lift from my palm 

into late October's violet blue sky and pearly white clouds.

by Margaret Bednar, October 30, 2016