October Speaks.
Now, in autumn's hardening clay
bedded red leaves will change
to composted black charcoal.
October has spoken.
Now is the time when wasp forsakes
late-born rose, when sloe decays
as unripe kernels crack open.
October has spoken
Time of shriveling stems,
berries too small to bend
vine as burnt grass again
goes back to roots, when
as nature's violence ends
earth-growth goes to bed.
Now lowers the sun and shortens day,
sags now an exuberance to obtain
mastery, for summer is over.
October has spoken.
