Staying up late, drinking hot tea
The wooden door was shut of the season’s first chills
Last night’s pizza box lay discarded on the kitchen floor
Midnight escaped, and her cup was emptied
1, 2, 3, she fell asleep against the couch’s pillows
Her carefree hair was faded and
Her skin had lost its walnut tan
Outside the sunrise brought a pink glaze
Over her restless face
6, 7, 8, she pulled herself into her sweater
Letting the television wash over the news
Of happy apple pickers making cider
And toddlers selecting their first, smooth pumpkins
2,3,4, she let the afternoon glow around her
Radiance from the sun’s triumph
Did nothing for her pale, limp fingers as
She ached for summer’s return