Autumn's Mirror: Hallstatt Poem by Ronni ManoaHofbauer

Nestled in Austria's mountainous embrace,
Hallstatt slumbers in October's misty lace.
A jewel box village on a silvered lake,
Where autumn's chill causes hearts to ache.

Pastel houses huddle close and tight,
Their reflections dancing in water's light.
Spires and gables pierce the leaden sky,
As geese in perfect formation fly by.

Cold raindrops patter on cobblestone streets,
Where footsteps echo and history meets.
Cafés glow warm through fog-kissed panes,
Offering respite from autumn's rains.

High above, the ancient salt mines rest,
Snow-capped sentinels at nature's behest.
Silent witnesses to centuries past,
Their secrets in mountain rock held fast.

Mist rolls down from evergreen slopes,
Wrapping the town in gossamer cloaks.
Each building a masterpiece, quaint and small,
A painter's dream, admired by all.

Boats bob gently at wooden quays,
Their colours muted by the autumn breeze.
The lake a mirror, still and deep,
Reflecting beauty it seems to keep.

As daylight fades and lamps flicker on,
Hallstatt transforms with day now gone.
A fairytale village in twilight's glow,
Picturesque perfection in rain or snow.

In this Alpine haven, time stands still,
October's magic works its will.
Hallstatt in autumn, a sight to behold,
A treasure more precious than any gold.