First Fire

I had not noticed the change
of color or the waning mix
of smells like used pencils
or colors the scent of library books

I have been preoccupied with the
state of the nation
interest rates
the stock market
Government has stolen
the pure delight of autumn
from me

I had not noticed until
it came upon me today
full fledged fury of
wind, rain and dropping
temperatures…until
I was forced to
Cheat and light a wax log
For heat

It served it’s purpose.

Everything seemed mellower
..but still it felt hurried.