Last October was mean, 
spits of snow and ice 
came out of nowhere to bite like 
swarms of mosquitoes in the spring.

Not this October...

Gentle breezes warmed the skin
and cool rains fell to quench the thirst 
of parched ground.

Last October we had snow six inches deep 
by the first two days, 

Not this October...

There was no hint of snow until mid-November.

Last October, leaves on the trees were ripped away... 
swirling into mini twisters in the yard.

Not this October...

Leaves stayed gold, scarlet, yellow;
gently cradled by soft winds
to blanket the ground,
awaiting a winter-white frock.