October Morning

A cold October morning,

the temperatures creeping

down below freezing and warming

ever so slowly, despite the sun,

and the trees bearing their brilliant

garb of reds and golds and yellow,

a delight to my eyes peeking open

from beneath a quilt pulled up snug,

warm beneath these layers, they remind me

of the changing seasons, the winter months

ahead approaching fast, symbolizing death,

and the protections we take against it,

quilted parkers and warm coats, woolen

hats and mittens, scarves tight

around our necks and faces, shutting out

the cold and wind, looking forward with expectations

of spring to hold us over, rebirth and renewal

in the face of death’s reminder

this cold October morning, wrapped

in the cycle of seasons changing.