Sometimes life presses in with a deadline to do what we've shelved for someday. Fall on the East Coast has been that long time dream of mine, and both Lauren and I were longing to reconnect with a dear friend.
What felt like a haphazard trip with no plan, turned out to be such a joy. We had the pleasure of connecting with family and old friends, as well as making some new ones along the way.
There was lots of relaxing, meaningful conversation, and, of course, really good food. And thanks to autumn's decision to arrive fashionably late, we were in the perfect place for the changing of leaves. The trip also seemed to initiate a deeper, much-needed change of season in my own heart as well.
Autumn, you are better and more beautiful than I ever dreamt possible.
"Our reliance
is in the love of liberty
which God has planted in our bosoms.
Our defense
is the preservation of the spirit
which prizes liberty as the heritage
of all men, in all lands, everywhere."
-Abraham Lincoln
the hustle and bustle
of subways and stairs
of stumbling along
while putting on airs
a gray sea of faces
neither speak nor stare
'til eyes slowly meet
with a sense of care
the trees are ablaze
with leaves clothed in glory
fiery red, orange, yellow
a rich allegory
the whole of life's seasons
however transitory
may emerge in utter beauty
by the end of the story
apples in orchards
apples in cider
yours for the taking
just reach a bit higher
apples in fritters
apples in pie
doughnut of cider
the apple of my eye
the sun gives way
to the magic of dusk
let's run and play
we must, we must
these moments slow
though time seems rushed
as we abide
all voices hushed
my inner child
aglow with delight
as flames reach out
grabbing hold of the night
the frost in our bones melts by firelight
while children wander off in search of a fright
autumn's colors
are a crackling fire
kissing our cheeks
with the warmth we desire
mesmerizing
'til our bodies tire
and dreams descend
to provoke and inspire
© 2026 Lauren di Matteo
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