Fall whispered through the windows this morning.

“Hello, I’m here.” The trees rattled as acorns dropped.

Squirrels quarreled on the porch, rapscallions dashing

Past the conversation to pad their own nests.

Summer’s blazing heat covered like a forgotten campfire.

Fog settles its gauzy quilt over the land. People zip jackets,

Teens rub their bare arms, for no, they won’t wear a sweater

Because Mom says they should, such a nerd, Mom is.

A neighbor’s chimney puffs smoke, redolent of apple wood

Lemons, persimmons, late roses scent the air.

Will fall stay? Hints of autumn are not enough.

It’s time to end the summer’s frenetic carnival.

There’s work to do.