Fall came early this year and trees are almost bare already. I’ve cut back this year’s raspberries and other berries. We’ve mulched the raised beds, and, with a sigh of relief, can settle into winter, I hope …
WITH YELLOW ON THE TREES
the long drop out of summer
when leaves gather
in my pockets 
wind nests in my hair
pulls it to tangles
past combing
rain puddles over boots
sloshes from hat-brims
dribbles down stalks
mulch spreads
over the garden
in a tidal wave
of succulence
precursor for next year’s
vegetables’ growth
To Bethlehem: ‘This little book is delightful, full of … poems on this timeless subject. … the most fun is the little prose vignettes of the common people in the Christ-child story. The slave who looks after the wise men’s camels, or the overworked maid at the inn who has to fetch water for the birth, and many more. A lovely gift for the reader on your Christmas list!’ Rosalind Adams. Available from Amazon and Kindle.
1960willowtree 
Still, enjoying the Fall, flowers and tomatoes still ripening, I am dealing with what happens as it does. You do remind me however that that my small garden needs to be prepared for the coldest and rainiest.