First Signs

Here are the beginnings,

the first turn of leaf,

a fall burst of orange

or shades of yellow,

the green apple-like

acorn resting

in the frilled nest 

until the woven 

wood cap weakens 

its grip, lets go 

the darkened nut, 

and ages into a peachy, 

golden tan, and I long 

to walk under a canopy

of kaleidoscope trees

and collect the tiny 

treasures signaling

the return of autumn’s

cool beginnings.

—C.L. Fisher, September 2021

Unless otherwise indicated, all writings and images are the work of C.L. Fisher and may not be copied, used, or distributed without permission.