This book is dedicated to my Grandma Patty, who saved the newspaper clipping from my very first publishes poem and gave it to me over a decade later. Thank you for nourishing my love for writing.

Autumn memories rush through my head,
of leaves yellow, orange and red
Cranberry sauce and pumpkin pies,
cardinal singing, and foggy skies.

Tranquil nights and cozy days,
breezes blowing all the ways.
Raking leaves and diving in,
treasured moments with my kin.

Musty air and rustling leaves,
I will cherish these autumn memories.

- (Autumn, 2004)