Restlessly Waiting

My day begins while the sun is still sleeping,
driving along dark roads where the streetlights
are sporadic.
Early morning, but the moonless sky
is still midnight velvet.
The wind shakes treasure from the trees-
gold and copper jewels,
and crystal tear drops.
Finally some rain for the
drought dry earth.
The extra lazy summer has
lingered too long.

As I exhale my smoke
signals through the open car window,
the wind teases curls from my
carelessly made knot-
bringing scents that I know and
have longed for as I restlessly
shifted during nights too warm for October.
My nostrils quiver in recognition of
the smoked Gouda smell of fireplaces lit,
and the muskiness of damp fallen foliage.

I revel in the chill air that kisses my neck-
excitement shivers in my belly.
I know now what I have been waiting
for is here-
Le petite mort
The last gasp of summer has been breathed,
Fall has come.