Beach Writer in the Rocky Mountains

Gray skies silence autumn.

Harvest sheds bulge

with tiller, weeder, and plow.

Waxed paper packets hold favorite seeds.

Cool temperatures awaken us in the morning.

Frost dusts the last blades of grass.

Cold blowing rains speak of what is to come.

Snow gently falls.

Quilts and blankets pile high atop beds.

Coats, sweaters, caps, hoods, toboggans, scarfs,

heavy socks, and boots stand ready

to armor body, head, and feet.

Cold winds whistle. Hot cider soothes our shivers.

Soups and stews simmer on home stoves.

Fruit cobblers bubble in Dutch ovens.

Yeast bread bakes in loaves.

Lingering apples cling to orchard branches.

Birds scavenge for winter berries.

Rumbling thunder shakes the ominous dark air.

A squirrel scampers for final gathering before his long sleep.