Autumn Falls

Age 10:
To the tune of amber rain, a soft song for the wind
She gathers her dreams in a plastic bag, knotted to keep them in
She mentions her father's words and her mother's helpful hints
"Don't be a dreamer your whole life" ... the world will always win.

Age 16:
Her eyes are full of promise, a skewed view of bravery
She lies until she's honest and believes wholeheartedly
She thinks she knows what awaits, passion or tragedy
But she doesn't see things as they are but how they ought to be.

Age 21:
She abandons all she knows, trades it for the sites
Leaving with one purpose, to leave the world behind
She loves the taste of fall and the sweet October glow
"Don't be a dreamer your whole life" ... what do they know?

Age 25:
At first, she takes in all the wonders, the pretty oohs and aahs.
Like Dorothy, before the witch, its her first glimpse of OZ
Bewildered and excited, she maintains her confidence
As sturdy as a house a cards, but sturdy nonetheless.

Age 30:
Confronted by the thoughts, these wicked little things
Fears and doubts and hollow mouths, why these bitter things
Where are all the trees, with their color changing leaves
"Don't be a dreamer your whole life" ... nothing is what it seems.

Age 40:
Autumn falls upon the clouds, a firestarter sky
She's all alone inside her head, a cell for hopes to die
She remembers when she used to dream for something new to see
Now she can only hope and wish for the way they used to be.

Age 60:
Chasing leaves and catching colds, an innocent endeavor
Trading dreams for days of old, impossible to measure
She speaks of her regrets and the biggest mistake she made
"Don't be a dreamer your whole life" ... reality never waits.