Autumn Treasures Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

Do you remember wearing gloves of softest calfskin
And sparking rhinestones hugging graceful wrists
White shoulders draped with folds of bluest satin
To grace your every move while dancing at the ball?

Do you remember when he shyly bent to kiss you?
For it was late and you slipped off your silken shoes
Then wondering why bells did not start pealing
Though all the novels said they surely would

Do you remember how his raptured heart was broken
When you could not stay with him any more
A restless demon drove you searching for a mountain
Youth's dreams and reveries could never comprehend

Life carried you to places with no ballrooms
Its twisting crushed you till your clothes were rags
What cloaked as true love turned to branding irons
Marring the skin with scars that would not heal

Today the leaves are brown and falling
The skin too wrinkled now for pearls or gloves
Blue satin gowns were never meant for women
In search of things no mortal man could give

It's late now and old dim eyes wonder
Gaze resting on a well-worn velvet jewel box
The dust of autumn covers every trinket
That has not graced a neck in many years

When winter comes its ice will set forever
The only jewel never known to fade or dim
A radiant gemstone offered you quite freely
A gift no soul on earth can promise or provide

The gift of faith is lovelier than ball gowns
Or diamonds of pure clarity and perfect cut
Its seasons never change or mar its beauty
And you will dance in golden mansions without end

Do you remember wearing gloves of softest calfskin
And sparking rhinestones hugging graceful wrists
White shoulders draped with folds of bluest satin
To grace your every move while dancing at the ball?