Crestfallen/Change

#Octpowrimo

It’s happening

Count to three

and watch the children

of the horse chestnut tree

make a break for

independence

The leaves have been

screaming without saying a word

all through the summer, “look at me” they yelled

as deciduous colour went from green to red

till north wind and west wind wanted to play

Autumnal fruit, cling to the vines

hanging on for dear life as last of the summer

till they’re picked up with windswept apples

and encased in buttery pastry

Grey Squirrels

hide in the distance

handy to blend into the surroundings

of fallen leaves by the trees

or merging int the grey-green moss on their trunks

Conkers surviving

the annual schoolyard knockabout

rest among the leaves colourful quilt

sleeping soundly

underground

till spring.