Outside the leaves are changing

and falling from the branches

that they clung to

all summer long.

The crisp morning air greets us

as we walk to and from where we need to be.

The cool air a reprieve from hot summers

and a reminder of the inevitable winter.

Hot cups clasped between cold hands

as steam rolls over the edges,

sweaters and scarves make their grad appearance

with the smell of apple cider and pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin patches and apple orchards open

with the promise of picturesque views

and finding apples to bake with

and pumpkins to carve.

Fall feelings are filled with nostalgia

of jumping in leaf piles, trick-or-treating,

and the promise of somewhere warm

as a safe haven from the cold.