Summer’s End

September sunshine filters through the grove,
dappling bright patterns on cool mossy ground
where squirrels search for acorn treasure trove.

Horse chestnut trees have scattered fruit around,
still firmly wrapped in spiky coats of green.
The conkers lie there waiting to be found

by children, who’ll reveal their tawny sheen,
then use them for their playground games at school,
competing until lessons intervene.

The grass is moist, the Autumn breeze blows cool
and windfall apples from a branch above
are floating, bobbing in the garden pool.

Indoors, stout logs burn brightly in the stove.
September sunshine filters through the grove.