Forever in autumn

I walked languidly through autumn,
Amongst a wind
That came at me like a whetted knife,
And crisp brown leaves that
Had gathered like old sailors
Jostling for one final parade;
All dressed in their best
Green and brown and autumn coppers.

I followed the birds south,
Past bejewelled webs
And leafy drifts

Thinking of you,
Somewhere;
Your face framed
By hair the colour of deepest night -
- But your heart,
Forever in autumn
Dancing and laughing
In our cinnamon memories
And oranges for eyes.