Gone are summers spent in careless breeze,
Replaced by trancing tears of auburn leaves,
That grace green grass with colored sheets,
Beloved by those who dance in streets.

Gone are dusks quietly swept to dawns,
Replaced by memories silently gone,
That light a face in pure delight,
When thinking back on those great nights.

Gone are warmed winds through widened screen doors,
Replaced by thickset sheets spilling from drawers,
That shield from winter’s teasing clutch,
Taunting us with premature touch.

Gone are marshmallows slain in fire bright,
Replaced by homes designed in darkened fright
As people grasp a lover’s arm,
Assuring them of no real harm.

Gone are long rides with purpose unknown,
Replaced by a famed feast long ago sown,
In passing youth so chiefly taught
Thanks for items that can’t be bought.

Gone are short skirts with regard thrown wild,
Replaced by knit sweaters carefully styled,
For holiday cards out so soon,
With handwritten notes nowhere strewn.

Gone are those nights spent in careless breeze,
Replaced by the tears of withering leaves,
And though for warmth my heart does grieve,
I find no better nights than these.