We're past that now

First to arrive

and last to leave

the robins make you think

you're in

for an Indian Summer

but I believe we're past that now

still

it was nice to see

a group

of four

splashing

in a puddle

on the driveway

when leaves

have already been raked

and first frost

settling

in

to nightly routine

unlike the English robin

these are apparently

a species

of thrush

still

dainty

in their own way

their russet breasts

matching the pumpkins

on the steps

I had a silly thought

perhaps

with their entreating chirps

they were

trick or treating

perhaps they were old residents

of the street

come back

in disguise

to tease

and remind us

they're still here

though much changed

and diminished

in size

but tall yet

in spirit

as they tugged

at the lawn

for worms

or whatever was going

when life was already draining

from the trees

and the whispers

of the dawn.