Autumn Nights

I sit on the cushioned swing,

rocking gently to and fro.

A fall wind beneath a full moon

breaths on my skin.

Shadows dance, flames crackle,

embers rise, the remains of another day consumed.

In silence I am reborn,

swaddled in denim and fleece.

I smile at my son.

He stirs the coals,

goads them to burn, and smiles back,

mischief wrestling with maturity.

I breathe out to feel the darkness

lift slowly from my heart.

My daughter fills her cheeks

with roasted marshmallow, melted chocolate,

licks her fingers half clean,

chestnut hair glistening, eyes twinkling with the stars.

My wife slides in next to me,

snuggles her warm body against mine,

kisses my cheek and whispers love in my ear.

I cast a glance across rippled waters,

the pond shimmering in the pale light,

breathe deep her pleasant presence.

My eyes close.

I lie my head down in her lap and sleep in peace,

content with this sweet providence, secure…

all is well.