On This Autumn Equinox

may the night cool the day
into a fog, dripping from trees
and roof’s overhang by morning

may I wake to the heron sounding
its long note as the sun hesitates
before making a fuzzy appearance

may my dog stop short of his run
to the lawn, put his nose to a single
wet blade and know change is here

may my daughter after her waking
press her hand against the window
then smile and understand

Header photograph © Caroline Bardwell.