The fierce winds blew early Autumn

onto the road

where she gathered

  on tiny ponds,

freshly sprung

from morning rains.

Each puddle arranged a collage–

of jeweled reds and yellows and oranges

from maple and birch and oak.

A spray of pine needles completed the work.

This is how the walk to the farm stand

became an art show,

and this is how

a middle-aged woman,

in puddle boots,

becomes

a

child.

Kelly Salasin, October 2012