winter take all

winter take all

autumn has been preparing

conserving, contracting

surface area needing sunshine

bodies needing food

dropping leaves

setting up lairs for hibernation

reminding persons

of the finiteness of life

and the need to be ready

to face infinity if not strong

to embrace rebirth of spring

gray-green settles

gentle gray-green settles imperceptibly

onto autumn mornings as our sun

scampers south ahead of harsh winter

yet the mood-resolving tint helps

prepare our courage and resolve

for endurance when only the depths

within us will carry us through

slaughter of innocents

haiku

kindergarten child

drills for gun rampage lockdown

dad hugs tight good-bye