Summer's farewell

by Herta J. Voth

Her shroud of brightly coloured leaves she spreads
A rustling carpet underneath our feet.
Her silvered hair, like living silken threads
Escaped from old-time weaver's fairy loom
Embroider gaily the spice-scented air.
Her eulogy the ripening corn, the pumpkin and the pod,
While creature-voices, near and far, raise paeans unto God.
Her dirge by honking geese in flight,
by haunting cry of loons,
On stubbled fields in chilly nights,
winds whisper gypsy tunes.
Lovingly, th'enchanting harvest moon
Sends forth funereal lights, remote and sweet,
To make of Autumn's deepening twilight gloom
A grand cathedral, mystically fair.

Farewell, dear Summer! Go now to thy sleep,
'Till Springtime voices call thee from the deep.

Herta J. Voth is a former missionary to Colombia and Panama, currently active in the Spanish MB congregation in Winnipeg, Man.

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