AUTUMN IS NEAR

AUTUMN IS NEAR Poem written for and submitted to “SEASONS NOW POETRY CONTEST,” August 6, 2025, Nette Onclaud, sponsor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ brushstroke of a cooler breeze paints my skin. golden rays slip behind the horizon, velvet curtain drawn across stage of sky. summer bows with grace; fall waits in the wings. cicadas' applause fades to hushed tones. the sun dips lower; the days grow shorter. green leaves slowly shift to ochre and rust. painter’s palette spilling across the ground, each leaf blends hues onto the earth’s canvas. with expectation, autumn holds its breath, a hush before the overture of chill. season’s harmonious intermission.