The leavesare on fire again,
winter licking them with catlike eyes
andholding our breath still and silent in the air.

Skies moved blueand fierce across the day
and stars blink rapidly in the face of themoon,
seconds trapped under cold, burning leaves,
like kisseslingering on my lips.

"Make this yours"
"Makethis last"
"Smile this time." Geese scream insistent
from the sky and I awake.

Sleep drips warm into thewater
bare feet and barely-seeing eyes
life begun oncemore.

coldly breathing in the roses,
morning steps all overnight
lilting soft among the shadows
I am reminded
          don'tforget this.