By Chance or Appointment - 27. Weather Report and Autumnal Equinox

Weather Report

Weathermen have said it’s gonna

steam and parboil flowers and fauna,

over-bright and hot and sweltry,

perspiration on our peltry,

turning shade a different color –

brighter, yet a little duller –

cooking insects, crisping grasses,

sunshine like a thousand brasses,

followed by some evening lightning;

thunderclaps both loud and frightening,

after which, some rains torrential

should make streams more consequential,

but the dawn will see clouds clearing,

robins singing, children cheering,

even though the sun be searing,

daring dogs to heat prostration –

just another day’s vacation.

Autumnal Equinox

September sun, shine down upon the field

and garden which your kindliness makes green

wherein the tastes of summer days are sealed

enough to make a wintry mortal keen

when February’s chilly arms embrace

the hill and forest in its icy sheen,

remember us, in dreams of Queen Anne’s lace

through endless nights the spirit may corrode

and from each countenance a smile erase,

avow to them who strive against the goad

or shiver as the seed in frozen ground

that once again you’ll stride on summer’s road

and warm again hearts withered, cold and browned

so that with ripened love we may be crowned.