Jostling crowds and vendors shout;
The matinees have just let out.
The midtown streets have come alive;
I hurry now; it’s after five.

Leaves of gold and russet brown
Drift slowly past the roofs uptown.
As shadows lengthen in the park,
The city lights come on at dark.

I cross the square and see the sign,
The hotel awning, the taxi line,
The doorman greets me with a smile,
“Enjoy your stay…it’s been a while.”

The nineteenth floor, suite number three,
I feel it now, the urgency.
It’s autumn now, will you be here
To spend the week again this year?

An open door, a familiar form,
My knees are weak, my face is warm,
A table set, champagne for two,
Someone sings “the moon is blue.”

The hunger now I cannot hide,
Emotions rise from deep inside,
I cling to you, your close embrace,
And I lose touch with time and space.

I seldom see the morning sun,
As nights and days merge into one,
No questions asked, no need for lies,
I’ve no regrets nor sad goodbyes.

Just whisper softly in my ear,
“When autumn comes…again… next year.”