the affable autumn sprite

 The autumn sprite with her eyes so bright they shine like golden lustre
She's wily and shrewd and light of mood and the creatures they all trust her
They all look on as she flits branch to branch chasing the magpies and  jays
And seem to know that this frivolous show marks the end of our summer days
She whips up a breeze that strips the trees leaving them naked and bare
AS the meadows turn brown she dons her gown and combs her tawny hair
She prepares them all for those winter days as they rapidly appear
And calls to the animals large and small my beauties have no fear
The equinox will soon arrive and  the harvest moon will follow
Ready your nests and warrens and sets in tree and field and hollow
The trees will be laden with berries and fruits just bursting with nutrition
When the harvest moon shines big and bright collecting them's your mission
If preparation goes as planned youre ready for a harsh yultide
And all that mother winter brings you'll take it in your stride
Now all the trees are devoid of leaves its time to say goodnight
She's given her best now its time to rest for the affable autumn sprite
                                                                     by LJM 23/12/2012