We laugh as leaf-peepers stop traffic to gawk-

and then we indulge in some gawking ourselves.

Each morning brings fresh bursts of color to leaves,

as if they were painted by nocturnal elves.

The folks who have lived here for most of our lives

grab cameras and photograph lots of bright trees.

We know it will last for just a few weeks,

and will fade to November, then winter’s deep freeze.