I wake up a little late
and get ready for the day
in a bit of a rush
as I brush my teeth
through the window
I see the fall leaves
they are every color of gold
and red and orange and auburn
their juxtaposition
with the color of the sky
is gorgeous
but there is not time
for me to stop and stare
because I have to eat breakfast
and so I rush around cooking
listening to some stupid podcast
but then again
through the window
I catch the sky
and I follow the path
of a flight of starlings
or some such other flock
undulating in the wind
like a living wave
but then my toast is ready
and I need to get going
and so I look away
and finish cooking
but I can’t focus
because through the windows
there is magic
and so I step outside
into the backyard
and the earth is so beautiful
somehow everything it does
all its gifts and seasons
all its sacred life
is breathtaking
what a joy it is to be here
what a thing to take a moment
and witness this
why is it so rare to do so
why do I take for granted
the endless blue sky
the leaves on the ground
the scent of fall on the breeze
the bright red cardinal
cutting through the air

Alexander Shalom Joseph is an award-winning poet, writer and playwright from Gilpin County, and is the author of seven published books. You can find his work and more information at alexandershalomjoseph.com.