I Prefer Autumn

Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

I prefer Autumn's gilded colors to the rusted hues of Fall.

Autumn comes with clear-cut steps, not halting as if stalled.

Fall has not the force to quick-end Summer's heat,

So leaves grow tired and brown and hang in sad defeat.

But Autumn, ah! crisp air of Autumn's voice,

Hale hints of ice and snow

           of rain and hail and wintry blow—

But spangled as the hills and vales rejoice

In red and orange and riotous yellowy spray,

That breath not taken by the cold and frost

Should be taken at the sight of nature glossed

          and garbed and decked in such array.

      

      But Fall, ungraced by art or artistry,

      Should honor Autumn—and her majesty.

                                        ©2024   D. Benning 

Cass, West Virginia