The first breath of autumn comes 
as gray and cool cloud cover 
breaks before a September sun
finds its way into morning.

The rest of the day all bright and clear!
Yet, the remains of morning -
exhaled dry leaves, fallen pine needles -
scent the day with memory and sadness.

This day for many years has come
when, though I knew it was near,
I did not know when I would feel
a season ending never to return.

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Portland, Oregon - September 14, 2021