Hello, November

You, with the crisp mornings 
                    and long nights,
                          swirling leaves 
                               and fog-shrouded hills.

Welcome!

You, with the long, low, angles of light
                  and heavy banks of clouds,
                       scarlet, persimmon, curry,
                           chartreuse leaves... and lichen.

You, with the dripping eaves 
                       and mushrooms,
                            arriving winter birds 
                                      and pumpkin pies.

Each time you roll in with color and flavor 
                         ...then leave with a sigh.