After August

Youth sing of spring and dream of summer,

But hope and heat cannot compare

To harvest hues and autumn air.

A fire glows from every treetop

To warm the blue September sky;

An upward view brings heaven nigh.

Surrendered leaves—mature and mellow—

Have bid good-bye to callow green,

Content in their autumnal scene.

When summer fades, bright vistas follow.

Embrace these days with joyful zeal,

For middle life is rich and real!