Late Summer

The rowan tree is jewelled like a crown
And summer fruits have ripened on the branch,
While, on the still warm ground, are hazelnuts;
For birds to eat and squirrels store away.

The evening sky, now clothed in cloth of gold,
Reflects its light on distant Western hills.
The birch and oak take up the colour scheme,
To paint their leaves with gold before they fall?

The summer birds, now healthy, fit and strong
Hold meetings on the branch, the roof, the wires.
They talk of changing times, the need for flight,
Their readiness, to go to warmer climes.

New logs piled high against the cottage wall
And larders packed with this year’s fine preserves,
Reveal our plans, to weather winter storms,
That, like the robin, we’re prepared to stay.