autumn stands alone

autumn stands alone
without feeling separate

not left out, as beauty pours
without ceasing through river running

circumnavigating around shiny rocks
exposed to the sun in late afternoon
steam rises up to meet the still cooler air
an embrace leaving even the wildflowers blushing

this afternoon of the living proof-
 that nothing still
need be done--
 and all the world spills eloquence

in evening dew on fading roses
and hearty mums proud as heart
stands upright, still buffeted
by the swayed line of pines

skating around the perimeter
of a garden grown
with as much grace
as one gardener could muster

this time a way to settle
the score in warm major chords
for gratitude is the stuff of life--
is the one our soul has chosen

to rise from the ashes,
unscathed and fearless
icarus,rising through
the cleansing central fire

encapsulated
in a purple aura
blasting through
all that is not true

~duets and photo~kate lamberg 9/17/14