October’s flushing hues beguile sense
as sun plays favor to what burns and lights;
the zigs and zags of leaf and wind commence,
and all about is mum and maple bright.
and what more knowing God would grant us fall
to ease the death of summer’s lengthy day?
distracted children notice not at all
along the autumn plum and pumpkin way.
and though the loss will reach our earthly scope,
as color turns to bare and quiet limb,
oh what more loving Lord would grant us hope
with blanket white to warm the soul within?
the winning gifts of season lift and mend
because His perfect will and care transcend.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: – Ecclesiastes 3:1

image: painting by Randall David Tipton