Autumn days

Misted red and chill-kissed gold,
Autumn's silent stare
with patient watch and fingers
stretched, reveals the heart laid bare.

Undressed, full-stripped before the world,
all honours, glory paid, in tribute
to the darkening lord
who comes to take her place.

Creeping edge of cold's soft breath-
winter's crooning call, with one last
look and skirts kicked free
she drifts again to death.