Late Green

The first days of September
further the change
in quality of light
the deepening sense
of late green
and the thrum of insects
details among others
that underlie the sense
            of a      stretch
the reaching of a zenith
and gradual turning
culmination of growth
time for a packing up or in 

Summer foliage
still varied in hue
yet darker and dulling
mixes with goldening
stalks and seedheads 

The heat of day
already finite
amplified by contrast
awareness of impending
autumnal transition tinged
with knowing melancholy
borne of seasonal cycles
experience of paradox
appreciation and lamentation
sweaters and socks
apples and squash
urgency and comfort
inevitable shortening
cooling and darkening 

Dotted with surprise colours
late green is a period
rich in ripe detail
to muse upon
reflects the Widow Wyile
though despite repetition
much of its sense
remains ineffable