A beautiful fall day unfolded

as we drove through the trees,

the brave leaves still clinging

in shades of red and orange and yellow

while their fallen brethren

lay scattered on the ground.

The sun was brilliant in cool blue skies,

while the kids enjoyed the fall day,

Pretending they weren’t even slightly cold

as they ran through the playground

without their shoes and socks

the second I turned my back on them.

Push me higher! More! Faster!

Squeals of delight trailed behind

little boys trying to touch the sky

and I remember how that felt

as if I’m the same age once more.

They rode bikes,

and “Chipper”

and played games

involving magic-powered cheetahs named daisy.

Tomorrow we’ll have family over

to share in the turkey

I’ve been longing to have

since the last holiday.

Stuffing and sweet potatoes and pie

and all one could want

I turn my face to the sun,

now farther away than I’d like.

I smile as it raises warmth in my cheeks,

almost as much

as today warmed my heart.