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

[Fran Marie]

To everything turn turn...seasons
one leading into the next ..autumn
and winter are upon us and the new
year starts it all again..the continued
cycle of life and we spin with it ..

nicely penned poem here
..

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fran. Yes, the turning of the seasons. Each one has its highs and lows. September is beautiful in its colour but brings on a low mood for me. Lack of light does it. I am particularly sensitive to this after the long summer days and nights. I will always be a spring gal. Really appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

a splendid description of the season's changes; I love the falling leaves and to walk on them to hear the crunch crunch; Here in the mountains, we collect our leaves in giant bags and they are picked up by the town; if everyone burned their own ,we'd have plenty of forest fires, And so it goes, goodbye to fall and into winter, no flowers left but we can cuddle by the fireplace.
Lovely, Chris
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Every season has its beauty. Fall is spectacular in colour, but the lack of light plays on my mood. Thank you Betty for your lovely review.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

I know your feelings; I don't like short days and long nights!!! you're welcome

[Re-Pete]

sad but touching thoughts chris. gone but not forgotten. perhaps the warm memories of past summer and hope of next summer are what get us through the cold of winter. i can always find new purpose and things to admire in each season as i get older. change of seasons should be cherished as in our lives. all has its time in the sun. any season is great with the ones we love -

Gone the chance to dance in clover,
barefoot with the one you love.

"One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter." - Thoreau

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pete and for that wonderful Thoreau quote. So much wisdom in his words. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Hi Chris, You and I live in similar climates, rain, rain, rain :)
I think autumn is my favorite season; it's always sad when summer"slides," but autumn is so rich in colors and tradition, and has such a warmth of spirit ... except when it rains, rains, rains. haha
Dylan

[Chris Shaw]

I am a spring gal Dylan. Autumn is sad for me, although the colour is beautiful. I hate the loss of light. We have been enjoying lovely sunshine, but rain is forecast for the next week. All those soggy leaves to sweep up!! Thanks for stopping by pal.

Chris

[LostSage]

welp there you go again....I know you well....close to the land....trees and flowers.... all I know is winter is coming and I have to order some warmer clothes.....have a great day Chris.....you know you're one of my faves...stars and flowers atcha ✨💐

[Chris Shaw]

Get those winter woollies ready Jeff. Thanks for stopping by. All the best.

Chris

[Ruth]

Ah, the lovely side of Autumn though being the beautiful colours and energy...I do suffer depression more with the lack of light and miss summer but Autumn is a fav season...Summer has such magic to it though...a special charm :) Lovely descriptive piece Chris :)

[Chris Shaw]

Autumn is a beautiful season, but alas not my favourite. It is also the season of loss and decay. My mood is usually a tad lower at this time of year. I am a spring gal. Thanks Ruth. I don't like the loss of light either.

Chris

[Pauline]

So true Chris but... I think we get off lightly in comparison to some other countries don't we? All those fires, floods, volcano eruptions. My heart goes out to those people, families lost, homes lost.
Thanks for the read Chris.
Take care.
Pauline.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Pauline. We have our moments, but I think you are right, our weather isn't as horrendous as in other parts of the globe. Hope your day has been good. We have been enjoying lovely sunshine. Rain all next week :)

Chris

[Pauline]

I'm glad you and the people back home have had some good weather, it lifts the spirit. We've only had two days of rain all the while we've been here.
Was in Mirepoix this morning for the market. It's such a good atmosphere there. The market is in the square with cafes on four sides with everyone sat around chatting. Two weeks left and then back to the grind.

[andrew mitchell]

Nicely said Chris very smooth, lovely to read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew for giving this old poem a much needed airing. So appreciated.

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very beautiful poem. Too bad I sort of missed summer doing my job and travelling a but.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you JungLee for your favourable response. Most appreciated.

Chris