cunning copper creeping,
auburn shadows stalking leaves
like urban predators –
grasping and smothering
them with tentacles, tangling
emerald with marigold,
pine and pear with honey,
mustard with pumpkin,
meshing garnet with caramel
and dusky cinnamon
with avocado.
raw, rustic rainbow.
leaves flush from green to gold,
faces glistening as they are pulled
from summer’s artichoke-hold.