Aspen

there is a pause
between
that rests quietly in the golden leaves
dropped as summer's homage to autumn's brevity

the coins flutter and fall

an amassed treasure beyond compare?

yes! says the still green grass,
riches spread as cloak for a king.

come tussle and roll in the sun
for soon winter will demand our sleep

open your mouth and taste the rays
sliding down your throat
swallow them into your abdomen
where they can be held safe
ripening
for another spring.
mj 10.6.17 poem and photo