I Gasped All Day Long

There were places in Maine
That were stunningly beautiful.

I returned to the oranges and yellows
Of Virginia, abashed by the paucity of the reds,

Shaking my head over what passes for Fall here.
It is not, I thought, very special.

Now I wonder if our leaves had simply delayed,
For every time I glanced out the window today,

I gasped. All day long.
Yes, yellows all round our clearing. But there!

And when I peaked in the woods:
There were reds. And driving up my road: reds more.

I shall not despise the Fall transformation here.
I can rejoice in beauty wherever it is found.