(how i know that) it is fall

on the way home from the bus stop. it is dark and cold. the moon glows overhead through the clear, dark sky and the lights of the city sparkle ahead of me from across the lake. the sweet smell of dry fallen leaves as they crackle and crunch beneath my feet, the scent of hot, homecooked meals in the air, the warm glow from steamy kitchen windows, the small puffs of white mist that come from my dripping nose as i make my way along the hard grey sidewalk towards home.