Autumn Light

Fleeting sun, departing friend,
Who calls to you, our joy to end?
Who beckons your redeeming rays
To other lands with longer days?

Did I despise your brightening hues,
Or seek another’s love to choose?
I cannot think what’s caused this rift
Between our ways. (The shadows shift.)

Your silken train of golden hair
Slips past my steps, my garden chair.
Departing glance. . . your back is all
Can see my face, return my call:

Forsake this way, time’s mystery.
Return to stay and shine on me.