Rondel for a Passing Year

Autumn’s flaming color scheme has faded;
Dusk has smothered shortened day’s last ember.
Can the brown chrysanthemums remember
When their blazing hues became outdated?

Last month’s lawn was jewel-green brocaded
Tapestry inlaid with red and amber:
Autumn’s flaming color scheme unfaded.
Now, dusk has smothered shortened day’s last ember.

Days ago two seasons, still conflated,
Layered warmth with cold like gold and umber
Leaves that overlap: a last belated
Prelude to a colorless November.
Autumn’s flaming color scheme has faded;
Dusk has smothered shortened day’s last ember.

About Cynthia Erlandson

Cynthia Erlandson has had poetry published in First Things, Modern Age, Anglican Theological Review, Touchstone, The Book of Common Praise (Reformed Episcopal Church Hymnal), and Forward in Christ. Her first book, a collection of poems for the Church year called These Holy Mysteries, is available on Amazon. The incarnation of the spiritual in the physical -- the gift of being able to know our Creator through His creation because we are made in His image -- is an important theme to her. As a Personal Trainer and Senior Fitness Specialist, she helps people with the physical side of life.