color preparation

autumn in the air

filtering summer’s brilliant

whites and yellows to warm

rather than sizzle-hot

as though through burnt orange lens

readying us for greens to re-dress

in red, umber, beige, muted gold

buttery browns, even blue

the colors of a fire in the hearth

in preparation for winter

pinker than yellow-black

chill, pink morning so autumnal

i walk not in fear

of yellow jackets swarming

from their ground nests

my porch and yard

are, finally, again my own

young’un?

rugged osprey nest near top of utility pole

empty now with summer gone

still, i look up as i drive by

startle as slender black and white

feathered head and neck peek above the rim

                           mjNordgren  9/21/2022  N