September stands tall
between spring’s childhood
and winter’s dotage,
a bit round perhaps
with pumpkin paunch,
its brow gold-speckled,
but vital still.
One leaf, two leaves,
abacus of mortality,
drop
in quiet obedience
to the authority of time.
A cicada sings of ennui,
its sleepy notes sticking to
wet morning air
where August lingers.
Oddments 
September 17, 2021 at 10:28 am
I love the header shot and the marigold. My marigolds are still looking good, and the bees are happy, happy. I’ve already started with the pumpkin flavoring. I’m always anxious for it to arrive and miss it when it’s gone. Yesterday, I enjoyed a childhood favorite – a date bar. We have an old fashioned bakery/cafe (started in 1932) here in town, and they still make date bars. Love them and reminds me of wonderful desserts made by my Aunt when I was a child. Happy September 17, Maureen.
September 17, 2021 at 11:08 am
Thanks, Judy! The header is a shot from a previous garden, from a summer when I had a real zinnia patch and the butterflies came daily. The marigolds are some that have defied this year’s rabbits and, yes, all kinds of buzzing things are visiting them. I am always in awe of their colors. I needn’t say that the mere words “old fashioned bakery” got to me! I remember how that sweet air hit me as soon as I walked in. The date bars sound wonderful indeed. I remember there used to be a date bar mix, and it was what I considered a pantry staple. I think I’d like your aunt a lot.
A happy day to you too!
September 17, 2021 at 1:47 pm
The photos are beautiful, Maureen, and I love the idea of September having a pumpkin paunch. We are entering my favorite time of the year.
I hope you have a great weekend.
September 17, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Thanks, Dan — a great weekend to you too! I agree about this time of year: autumn is why God made Indiana. Right now a nearby field of soybeans is turning gold, and it is gorgeous!
September 17, 2021 at 4:16 pm
I’ve seen those fields in Iowa. It’s amazing how far they go on.
September 17, 2021 at 2:52 pm
Such vibrant colors! and if rabbits don’t favor their flavor, then this is the ticket for next year garden.
September 17, 2021 at 3:03 pm
The colors are amazing, aren’t they? I’m not sure about the marigolds and rabbits; it used to be that rabbits wouldn’t touch marigolds, but that has changed. This year they chewed the marigolds to the ground; what I have now was hard-won. I think the rabbits are evolving to eat whatever suburbs are growing.
September 29, 2021 at 6:27 pm
I seem to see September very clearly through your words. The sleepy sticky song in the wet morning air is evocative too.
September 29, 2021 at 7:41 pm
Thanks, Susan. That really was a weary-sounding cicada that morning.