October was a long month, and strange,
    for how quickly it seemed to end.
Long days, and many weary of them,
    yet also more to do than fit.
And, much the same, so this year has gone,
    but two months left; the rest behind.
Life, it seems, is brief; it passes quick,
    so stewardship of days comes dear.
Falls’ leaves, and spring’s, come swift and swifter
    take heed, with reckoning in mind.
Live full and well, diligent and glad;
    count each day and decade—a gift.