Sweet Summer’s reign now nears its end,
Even though it’s been a welcome friend,
Perhaps it will linger round for longer still
To delay the returning cold - a bitter pill!
Everyone who enjoys her warmer days,
Must be thankful for summer’s ways.
Being benign and graciously delectable,
Every aspect of summer’s stay is acceptable.
Remembered when the cold winds blow!

In winter, when storms of sleet and snow
Smother the earth, then we’ll fondly recall

Autumnal September, as was loved by all!

Kaleidoscopic colours brilliantly displayed
A profusion of pastels, are quickly greyed:
Leaden skies, herald cold winter’s returning.
Even though we rejoice in the solstice turning,
Ironically it is also a time for serious dismay,
Due to summer’s torpid weather, having gone away.
Only the plethora of colours, given as a warning,
Soothe the angst we start to feel.  Every morning,
Cloying fog shrouds the low valleys till midday:
Ominous reminder, the cooler days are here to stay.
Preparing for the winter, that will soon be here,
Everyone hustles hastily, from the cold most fear!

Of certainty, Autumn now makes its presence felt:
Fallen leaves are piled, and pungent smoke is smelt.

Cobwebs adorned with dew, sparkle in dawn’s first light:
Overhead, geese fly south in skeins, on migratory flight,
Leaving before the snow appears - seeking a warmer place.
Others leaving for warmer climes, increase their pace:
Urgency is in the air; for some, it’s time for hibernation.
Red Foxes marauding, cause hen house consternation!
Skunks that pillage noisily, disturb our nightly bed.

Butterflies such as the Monarch, prepare for their trip ahead:
Returning to their winter haunts, Swallows and Martins fly
In a quest for warmth and food.  Sadly we say to them “Goodbye”.
Gone all too soon are summer’s pleasant and languid days;
Having run their course, now comes Autumn’s brief displays.
The flamboyant fore-runners, forecasting Winter’s unpleasant ways.

Rhymer.  September 29th, 2020.