R.E. Slater - Autumn Memories (a collection of Haiku-like poems)

Autumn Memories

by R.E. Slater


Green leaves fell hard

One sunny frosted morning

When all was death and quiet.

* * *

A large leafed tree stood proud

Late in the rising autumn sun

Then quickly became undressed.

* * *

The morning quiet was loud

But not as loud as nearby tree

Exploding leaves into the ground.

* * *

By the hundreds the leaves fell

Without air to hold them up

Falling noisily to the ground below.

* * *

One frosted, chilly morning

I stood breathless to watch

The sudden death of autumn.

* * *

When all was peace and wonder

I laid me down in leafy bed

Resting in pillowed content.

* * *

Dead leaves crunched under my step

The woodland did not stop nor care

Nor did I – filled with its brilliance.

* * *

Hunters once were here

And now were gone

And life spread round-and-round.

* * *

Youth was once all I had -

Before the wonders of fall

The improbable beauty of winter.

* * *

Hickory nuts rested in a battered pail

Freshly picked from the cold ground

While grandma chattered in delight.

* * *

Dark shadows crossed the hillocks

Dimming autumn’s lingering lights

Orange moonrise brought all back.

* * *

My chilly breath like a chimney stack

Lifted and rose into the autumn airs

On friendship’s many dappled wings.

* * *

The red tractor’s large black tires

Were muddy and packed tight –

Dad did not care and went to bed.

* * *

We left in early morning’s cold darks

Carrying heavy guns in small hands

Watching wet dogs sniff and run.

* * *

The cotton band uniform held the cold

Wet winter rain pressed against my skin

Brightly stepping to drums and bugles!

* * *

Autumn sunrise met autumn sunset

Orangish yellows blazed dusky reds

Not one day ended as it began.

* * *

Autumn days warm the soul

Autumn evenings clear the head

Decay and rot sweetly fill the air.

* * *

The clasp of cold autumn air

Pulls at my jacket’s warm collar

Lifts my face to its breath.


- R.E. Slater
November 5 & 19, 2012;
March 3, 2014

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