Autumnal Air
— Claudia Demick
Tea, a cookie, and a simmering fire.
The old cat within me
Stretches and groans
With abundant pleasure.
The trees join in jubilant dance
Outside my window,
As autumnal air
Swirls through them
Holding out its cold hands
In invitation to the dance.
The branches in my fireplace
Crackle and pop
Sending golden blue fingers
Skyward
To touch that sacred place
Where cool and warm
Meet and mingle.