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Terra Martin

Autumn Bride

Clinging to the cedar post, the autumn vine tumbles into tangled green ringlets like unruly hair that cannot be combed.

This rambler is summer's last hurrah and the honeyed fragrance of its creamy flowers ambrosia before tomorrow's chill.

The tiny blooms weave a white carpet of star-shaped petals over the translucent tendrils of the clematis and drape the gray boards like a bridal veil that cleverly covers imperfections.

layered
whispers of ivory tulle
edged by rosettes
the slippery fabric
of her second marriage