on the train through the mountains, I leaned my head
to watch the window fill with autumn color
blue grays of rocky outcrops and infinitely variable skies
greens browns and brilliant golds of turning trees
but what caught my attention most and snagged into my heart
an unwitting hook that would bring me back
were slender fiery-hued leaves, living tongues of flame
they burned like words I would one day remember
finally I speak them because I am home
I see these leaves now in the fields where I walk
hooks no more, but warm familiar friends
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