October ©

Days shorten I light my lamps earlier
I allow a backward glance remembering
The first shoots and budding branches
Take stock and gather thoughts
Of birdsong and the first cutting of grass

Keeping a diary of planting times
An aide–memoir lest I omit
A favoured friend who stays a summer
Earns her keep and sings sunshine songs
Beneath blue skies and soft rain

Time has taught to plan is prudent
October's flowers wait in the wings
Yet their audition must be set up
When other ploys entice
Such is life.... we reap what we sow