Early October
the trees
of Tennessee
were lit
… a welcome warmth
to the wayward traveler
who, in quiet desperation, left
the wires hanging
the boxes muted
turning down a two-lane
blaze of gold, crimson cast, orange peel
dripping wax down the sticks
puddles mixed in a slate dish
cool to the touch
a rain of ash
pouring down
that mirrored mountain
steeped in running rivers
and piping hot
a chimney cup
topped in
heavy cream
and dusted off
with cinnamon
TL