Feel the change, the darker and longer night,
the glory in each leaf now russet gold...
and so the October Mood of Nature's Grace...
Three scores of seasons has this garden tower seen
Holding time, touched by moss, and leaves once green
A blanket now of russet fallen leaves, the spoils of Fall
From that mighty mighty oak tree, bold, strong and tall
Leaves taken to wind's flight rest now free
Behold the Oak above, bough and branch barren be.
Rose Marie Raccioppi
Poet Laureate
Orangetown, New York
