[Written by Lady Lissar, jskolnik@cap.gwu.edu]
autumnal

the first leaf flutters to the ground
to kiss, briefly, the soil
winter hangs in the air
waiting for the first breath of cold
the lady
shimmering, bright at midsummer
hangs her head
draped in black 
she is quiet
dormant
yet beneath her mantle
of fire
and night
she is very alive