the softer shadow

fragments of light and shade upon the wall
sharp and soft the lines at the same time
from trees beyond the last brown leaves now fall

the joys of autumn do not quickly pall
the heavy rain last week has cleaned the grime
fragments of light and shade upon the wall

evergreens line the distance now stand tall
at last they have come into their due prime
from trees beyond the last brown leaves now fall

the train that's passing almost seems to crawl
there's no ice now not even a thin rime
fragments of light and shade upon the wall

the very moment's passing seems to stall
the snail upon the ledge has left its slime
from trees beyond the last brown leaves now fall

our shivering minds a warmer time recall
the coming winter seems to us a crime
fragments of light and shade upon the wall
from trees beyond the last brown leaves now fall