Autumn like a peddler comes selling color to the trees.
He shuffles down windy roads on paths only he sees
The wind collects and tosses his payments to lay them at my door
And while we stare at golden hues and gorgeous views, he chuckles- for
He knows winter is just around the corner.

Farm girls learn to celebrate, when autumn's at the door
The corn gets pulled, fields turned under, roots go to cold store
Even my Grampa's caved-in frame, carts wood in for the stove, and
While we hope our way to spring- though fall is barely gone
We know many things are, just around the corner

I always lived my life in cycles connected closely to the earth
Summer's work was yellow heat, and spring was green in birth
Even a farm girl displaced, now in to an academic world
Feels the pull of farmers when crimson fall unfurls
I know death is just around the corner.

My sister and I were never --allowed to say goodbye,
So-long was more acceptable for it spoke of a next time
And while the peddler shuffles bye, with the year's last whispered breath
Neither of us will say goodbye, in parting or in death
It's so long, I'll see you, just around the corner.