Pencil-tall aspen sprinkle gold coins by the roadside,

Clumps and clusters of chamisa burst into radiant chartreuse,

Glistening red ristras hang from porches, eaves, and arches,

Aromas of roasted green chiles infuse balloon-filled skies,

Fields of dazzling orange pumpkins await their next incarnation,

And cords of cedar, piñon, and pine burden pick-up beds.

It’s autumn in New Mexico.