autumn came to stay

autumn came to stay
it brought shorter days
brown, curled up edges
on the corners of wallpaper
ceilings leaking, floors
wet and slippy with mud
fruit tossed unceremoniously
over floors, fresh and decaying together
the lights turned on and off
with an unpredictable spontaneity
cats and dogs sought shelter
in the corners of the house
away from droughts and drips
autumn brought feelings of
warmth and comfort too
life slowed down to a gentle
more manageable pace
despite the drips, the droughts, the mud,
the browning, the unpredictability,
despite everything that might seem
off putting about autumn
it was good to welcome
autumn back into my life
like an old friend
with all their faults and foibles
but all the better for them
not despite them
welcome back
my old friend