Autumn's First Chill

Autumn's first chill caresses my cheek
She arrived this morning, heralded by
small swirling eddies of the red maples' crimson firstfruits
across the blacktop of country roads.

Autumn, my passing love
Thrust away the oppressive heat of summer
That we may revel in tender embrace
Before the cruel winds of winter
Separate us once again.

Autumn, my fleeting love
Once again you will steal away with my heart
Along with the red, orange, and yellow hues;
The vibrance of our perennial bedchamber.
Again will I be left in the despair and solitude
Of December's frozen gusts.

Autumn, my absent love
Never could you belong to me only, nor find rest with me wholly
Yet will I await your return, my unrequited love aching in dormancy.
While humanity greets your siblings with perfidious welcome,
I remain ever faithful to you alone, Autumn, my love.