218)

there was a slight
chill in the air as i
drove home, not
totally unlike
a typical autumn
night.  summer is
hanging on, of
course, but already,
the sun is setting

earlier.  the end of
summer/beginning of
fall has always been
a favorite time in
my life... a period of
newness, inspiration,
a fresh start.  in past
years, school was more
of a catalyst.  now,

there are things
to look forward
to: transition,
growth, and the
opportunity to learn;
just as we fall into
the rhythm of the
seasons, so, too, do
the leaves start to change

and fall, like clockwork:

an affirmation, complete
confidence.