Leaf Peepers Time
Once the luminescent leaves appear on trees
The leaf peepers are smitten.
Pint-sized knee huggers squeal with joy.
Their tiny feet trudge through the newest layers of leaves.
Traffic slows to a crawl in towns and on rural roads.
Gawkers witness nature’s free gift.
The leaf peepers’ addiction is obvious.
Their guilty pleasure feelings for a pause at work
Requires no explanation.
When the last leaves separate, spin
And land on the ground,
These freshly fallen images are etched in our memories
Forever.
Remembrance Day
Early morning fog sits atop the chiseled stones
Of the fallen.
The past becomes present again.
Silent attendees summoned to remember.
Colors, vollies, smell of cordite, prayer,
Taps are followed by soft tears, shallowed tears,
Hushed voices, slow-paced exit steps,
And a backward glance of sorrow.
Stones and monuments are our way of
Communicating with future generations.
Family and community members make present
Spirits of the fallen through the
Empty chair, their last photo and the
Obligatory toast.
For those who have forfeited
Their tomorrows
We do so honor today.
