October is my favorite month, and now’s
the season that awakens me to test
a version of myself I mean. I rouse
as days reduce and green retreats. My best
behavior comes with comfort after storm,
with evenings cold as cozy dreams require.
It’s when I’ve time to welcome work for warm,
and bask at night in heat and light of fire.

Perhaps it was my readiness for school
that made the season valuable to me.
The harvest? Rosh Hashanah? German beer?
I think I’ll never know why I’m a fool
for autumn, turned like leaves to brevity,
but now begins my favorite time of year.