Gone The Summer

August slides into September,

summer days are almost over.

Gone the chance to dance in clover,

barefoot with the one you love.

Soon we'll gather by the handful

ochre leaves in autumn freefall.

Watch them tumble to the paving,

not for saving, we will burn them.

Warm our hands when cold winds blow.

Then the snow will freeze our fingers

and the frost will choose to linger

late into the morning hours.

Bleak the garden with no flowers

in the midst of winter's pall.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

The passage into autumn is a prolific period for poetry. This one notes the movement from clover to the ochre leaves, then into the bleakness of winter. I think winter somehow equates with death for many of us, which is understandable, with the absence of flora amidst the "pall." But within that seeming stillness life abides, waiting for the spring to call it forth again. Life never really dies.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for this thoughtful review. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lorry]

JUST YOU CALM YOUR JETS CHRIS...
News just in, is that more freak weather later in the week will have us scrambling to remember where we put the sunglasses. And it's due to last too.!
I really can't believe it, we already had a three day summer this year, but who's complaining 😀
But you know how it is. Look out for me commenting in a few weeks, sounding sheepish as I apologise once we thaw out. 😀

[Chris Shaw]

It was certainly nippy yesterday and there is a nip in the air today Lorry. I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed for some warmth in September. Not sure that we will get it.

Chris

[Lorry]

Read a different newspaper. Just pick the one with the best forecast 😀

[Lorry]

Read a different newspaper. Just pick the one with the best forecast 😀

[Dave Brown]

Haha
Could this be deja-vu, repeated all over again, another time, additionally
Actually, this year wasn't too bad as far as heat and available moisture were concerned in our area.

[Chris Shaw]

This is an oldie out for an airing Dave. You may well remember it from last year. Many thanks for your visit.

Chris

[Jovilious]

Absolutely beautiful. You use such colorfully descriptive words.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jovilious for your lovely review. Your visit most welcome.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

Well done, Chris, with a definite feel of autumn and the approaching winter. This also could be interpreted as that particular stage in life when we are long in tooth but not short of enthusiasm for youthful things.
I do miss those days of raking leaves into mounds to run through and jump in, and setting them alight...after we were finished jumping in them of course...
I do feel that those who do not experience a full four seasons are missing out.
A good write

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ted for your response. We experience all four seasons here in the UK and I certainly do my fair share of raking leaves. This poem is open to interpretation and I am very happy about that. All good wishes.

Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

The winter's gloom descends magnificently in this piece. I definitely feel the chill

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Lynn. Not long to spring :)

Chris

[Esther]

A lovely depiction of the onset of winter

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Esther. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Thank you for your visit.

Chris
read moreMany thanks Esther. Pleased you enjoyed the read. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[kitty]

Beautiful the season some call fall. Leaves gather as playful children filled with laughter scatter them all! Beautiful the season that beckons winter's thrall: hands and hearts are warmed by fires, humble home or at a ball. Thank you for sharing this welcoming piece!

[Chris Shaw]

And thank you too kitty for your lovely, poetical response. Most appreciated.

Chris

[kitty]

Don't mention!

[θεά]

Reminded me of the lovely song by Simon and Garfunkel 'April come she will'. The transience of time and seasons bear a sweet melancholia to their eventuality. I appreciate and admire the way you come up with such beauteousness so often. This one being no different. While there is a certain bleakness to Winter, she can also be beautiful. It leads to new hope in times to come.

Thanks for sharing a beautiful write.
Best,
M.

[Chris Shaw]

A lovely thoughtful response from you Mallika. Thank you, and pleased you enjoyed my poem.
read moreA lovely thoughtful response from you Mallika. Thank you, and pleased you enjoyed my poem.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... I love your tethering of falling leaves like musical notes playing in a symphony
of violins and base cello. Love the colors of the wind. truly an ode to frosty morning songs. truly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat, thank you so much for your lovely review. Good to see you here. Take care.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right dear Chris. Winter is coming. We shall miss the days of Spring and the days of Summer. Thank you my friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

And a big thank you too Coyote, for reading my words. Always good to see you on my page.

read moreAnd a big thank you too Coyote, for reading my words. Always good to see you on my page.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure Chris and you are welcome.