Days are warm and nights are chilly
The smells of fall are in the air
Fresh pumpkin pies set out to cool
Bright leaves tumbling everywhere

Jams and jellies line the shelves
Of Mother's pantry in the hall
Gathering fruits and vegetables
Seeds from sunflowers standing tall

Climbing up in the walnut tree
Jumping to make the limbs shake
Filling up our coffee sacks
Ah, the fudge these nuts will make

Homemade mincemeat underway
As we cut and dice and chop
Thinking of Thanksgiving pies
With fluffy whipped cream on top

Resting under the big plum tree
That shades an old pine bench
Eating as the juice runs down our chins
Nectar attracting bees and finch

An outdoor fire burning hot and bright
Under a tub of apple butter
Spicy aromas waft through the air
'Tis a smell that's like no other

Daddy dons his protective gear
To take out the racks of honey 
We chew on the waxy honeycombs
And laugh 'cause he looks so funny

At suppertime, we gather 'round
Thanking God for our daily bread
And for our crops so abundantly
To prepare us for the winter ahead

Night is falling; the air is cool
Smoke is rising from the chimney
Tired, but happy that the day is done
'Twas an Autumn potpourri

Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
October 6, 2006
All Rights Reserved