Autumn Morning, New River Valley

Sun sneaks in
yawns the day awake
slow, careful, gentle.
Already wind howls;
curtains drawn tight
keep cold from entering
the bedroom.
(By 4 pm, curtains
will be pulled tight
to keep out western-facing sun).
No hope for spring flowers.
No shade to give shelter from sun
or protection from winter winds.

Crows and mockingbirds
carry on cacophonous chatter
over coffee.

His side of the bed, empty,
colder as he closes and  locks
the front door.

I picture the gingko tree
perfect gold
down a half flight of stairs
on a patch of holly-strewn lawn.