Falling in love with a stranger, an eye to eye encounter as autumn's winds oscillate maple's vibrant red foliage and horizon's hues foretell sun's imminent departure. A sketch on wispy pastures proposing a kiss of passion freezes your posture as moon peeks with compassion amid birds' winter migration silently urging your action for lovers' romantic collaboration. Like a frozen night in autumn you ache for sun's arrival, yet you never said hello, not even a second glance, sensing your blatant reticence she gracefully turns around. Like the barren trees of fall you stood your ground without a sound, immobile not even a parting smile. But feelings tug spirit having heard the lyrics of a beautiful festive melody: a cadence never ending, which love did recite but mortals couldn't write. Image etched ignites on fall's starry night a mosaic mat of fallen leaves spurring entire being to surrender to love urging you to emote when she comes calling for one more encounter drowning you in ecstasy even if it turns out to be a cold autumn breeze or rapture of a blessed plea earthly or celestial or just a beautiful dream. First Place Win September 21, 2017 Autumn Romance Sponsor: Julie Rodeheaver