-- Farewell, Summer –

John Herlihy

Now is the time to bid summer farewell;

Sultry days are upon us, gathering steam.

Summer gone, the future nothing to tell;

The days shorter, crimson sunsets agleam.

Each season fashions its own true measure;

In summer warmth, we forget winter chill.

Falling autumn leaves such colorful treasure;

Spring rains a rebirth as almond trees thrill.

Other seasons fall in the shadow of summer;

Spring and fall bookends to summer delights.

Winter saved by the descent of snow wonder;

But nothing to match awe of summer nights.

The birdlings tucked safely in mother’s nest;

Flower petals fall on the path where they lay.

Bees still driven by urge in their honey quest;

Now well past noon on the final summer day.

Even sultry heat is fanned by the gentle wind;

As if the heart of the season is finally exposed.

The sun shines fierce as if the sky has grinned;

At sunset, the sun descends as a king deposed.

The heat finally surrenders to blessed breeze;

The air now fused with dreamy magical light.

Whispers could be heard in the leaves of trees;

Stars now seen in the shadow of coming night.

Farewell to those lazy summer days in repose;

Summer’s dusk softly descends as if it knows.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Saturday 21 August 2021