NO AUTUMN IN BETWEEN

i'm used to changes, gradual
a soft and subtle shift
a bending breeze of slight degrees
a gently tilted lift
a hint of new direction
and a segueway to the scene
but summer's turned to winter
with no autumn in between

i'm used to burning embers
turning scarlet into gray
horizon lines with glint, divine
announcing dawning day
the hues of rolling meadows
to a vaguer shade of green
but summer's turned to winter
with no autumn in between

i'm used to oceans cooling
in a stately march of time
the heat of sun on lower rung
a lazy downward climb
but this year things are different
and i don't know what that means
but summer's turned to winter
with no autumn in between