Pale blue skies
a symphony of birds
with rose-gold wings

Crows congregate
branches bob and sway
with black leaves

Strum
Chords
timing
dancing strings
the foot taps along

Swirling sherbet skies
bid the sun bright farewell
street lamps blink on

Finest white lace
sparkes on windshields
Breath makes thin clouds

Diamond drops cling
to golden leaves
shaken by the wind

Curtains of kudzu
black twisting reaching branches
frame highway walls.

Thumb
Strum
Banjo
Melody
I play my own song.

The world wakes up
under rumpled red silk sheets
and shivers.

Soft grey sky
Scatters fine drops below.
I tilt my face up.

Crimson morning light
gilds tree trunks with flame
to match falling leaves

Head uplifted,
he walks past bare branches,
a crowned king.
Antlers glow in moonlight,
as autumn winds whistle.

Fading light
reflected from brilliant trees
bids wistful farewell

Feathered clouds leave
softly dimmed brilliance
below

Stash.
Hide.
Acorns,
put away
for the cold winter.

The streets fill with celebration
Sing a joyful song
Day has come
Be free.
Be.
Do.

Shivering gold
scarlet dancing on the wind
beneath silver skies.

Trees of heaven
swaying burgundy leaves
by the roadside

Frothy, rustling, crunching carpet
over the sidewalk
Shuffle through,
laughing.
Skip.
Kick.

Cool waters
sprinkling city streets,
glazing sidewalks.

Deep breath.
Feel the world fall away
and dance
to the turning of the seasons,
defying the failing light.

Call.
Shout!
Lift UP!
Raise your Voice!
Lighten burdened hearts.
Sing defiance to the shadows.
Find that Awesome Strength,
that still voice,
within.
Stand
tall.

For mercy's sake, vote.

I am thankful that at least two people are still reading this blog. If there are any more Americans out there reading this, I am personally begging all legal voters to hie themselves to the polls and vote. I will be getting up nice and early, and my boss has already been prepared lest I am delayed by long lines. It's happened before.

Far too often, we are encouraged to think of the Government as some pettifogging idiots that the rest of y'all got rid of by foisting them on those of us within the Beltway. Or else as a set of corrupt thieves, and after all, what can anyone do?

You can vote.

Unlike many places in the world where there is only one "safe" way to vote (i.e. one way that won't result in violence against you and your family), you have the security to voice your beliefs knowing that it won't result in a midnight "visit".

Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I'll head for the local polling place, umbrella firmly in hand, and stand with my neighbors as we wait for our chance to speak. I urge you to do the same.