AUTUMN

Tomato vines browned and shriveling,
Shrunken fruits making feast for insects;
Squash and watermelon also withering,
Rustling leaf surrounds and protects.

Batchelor Buttons tan in crisp fall sun,
Skimpy stems stutter in a breeze;
Petunias still colorful and fun,
Will endure right through a freeze.

Green grapevine leaves looking sickly,
Lillies of the valley lying limp;
Even Cannas begin to look icky,
Tiring Mums blooms sadly wimpy.

Brave Blackeyed Susans stand aflutter,
Four'o'clocks grow, blooms spiraling;
Flower beds spurt and sputter,
Leaves, twigs, flowers expiring..
Soon trees present last color showing,
Until next April when it quits snowing.