The waterfall 
Stilled in the garden

Fall’s delicate fingers
Draped it in
Spiderwebs spun from 
The finest silk

And the stone table 
Stood there

A solemn sentinel

Empty
Of summer promises 
Gifts
And lush green
Hopes

Like human hearts
Hardened among
The shadows of life 

A last drop 
Of water
Dripped 
Down

The cold autumn 
Wind crowned 
The head of the 
Granite
Mermaid 
With fallen leaves
Gently
Kissing her hair

Can fragile
Miracles
Sprout
In hearts made of
Stone

And as the golden rays
Of the autumn dusk
Hugged her waist

The mermaid 
Smiled