summer fades

summer fades
green changes over to yellow
goldenrod blooms
snakeroot seeds

in the Septembers of life
youth has matured
time slows with idyll's passing
age has ripened the season

night comes early
the sun grows weary soon
His beams hold less strength
let Him rest, His zenith is well past

feel release from the heat
let go, breathe deeply the air
respite comes to the weary traveler
take up the mantle like forest dwellers their coats

the muted rainbow returns to the forest
come yellows and orange, reds and russet
the fire no longer burns, but it's colors manifest in diverse plant-life
from the very air, radiant color grows on fading flora

let us enjoy once again the peaceful stillness
gentle golden rays, gentle silver rains
a respite from extremes
and fields of plenty