Falling for Autumn

I look out my window.

The white paint peeling at the borders.

I grin as the spectrum of warm colors lures me outside

I walk out of my house as the back door slams.

I saunter towards the park, shivering as I look up at the gray sky.

The long, bare tree branches bridge over the narrow gravel path like a gateway to a secret land.

Fresh air floats through the trees, whistling its favorite tune.

I watch as the last, lonely, crimson colored leaf floats down to meet its fellow fallen friends.

The leaves crunch,

like Doritos,

under my soft stepping, combat boot covered feet,

as the gentle breeze rustles against the trees.

I bend down and pick up a broken leaf from the rocky floor.

I trace its jagged edges with my fingertips.  

The breeze blows again as I breathe in the sweet smell of the dying leaves and misty air.

I lift my half filled silver Starbucks thermos of coffee up to my patiently awaiting puckered lips.

I catch a noseful of caramel.

The warm liquid passes through my tender lips and runs down my throat,

a small fire lighting up my insides to keep me warm.