October in Minnesota
by Robert Becker
Has anyone noticed the trees
the color, the breeze, the smell
that Autumn brings
on those early days
at the beginning of each October?
Death comes with seasons of change
but beauty transcends,
forgives and forgets
on bright sunny days
resplendent in gold, red and green.
The Masters, Monet and Dehn
produced paintings to preserve
haystacks and barn yards
the October of colors
we love and still behold.
A brisk and cool evening,
a fire blazing to keep warm,
the fresh smell of pine in the air,
a dip in Lake Superior,
reminds the mind, body and soul what we adore.
A shawl or light blanket might be needed
to help one keep warm
on a cool autumn evening
whether central or up north Minnesota
that chill will be there.
I’m sure there’s a parable
that speaks to my thoughts,
of a leper, a harlot or a eunuch
that’s experienced sights such as these
that has turned back with gratitude to give thanks.
And yet there are those
who would rather post slogans
that the Governor has failed
or has his head up his ass
not acknowledging the blessings they have.