Late Again

Running home as it grew dark
amid the falling leaves
My sister in her flowing skirt
and I my turned up sleeves

The cold air had returned again
and chimneys let us know
We’d cleared the woods at village end
and had not far to go

Our backdrop was an orange glow
that settled in the West
Not far ahead the quiet homes
as day began its rest

The coolness caused our eyes to tear
and cheeks were set aglow
The smell of baking made its way
and kept us on the go

The sounds of all those colored leaves
that rustled on the way
And how the autumn did catch wind
of what we had to say

Calls to mind a younger day
our parents knew just when
The two of us were running home
and yes, were late again

February 1995