The God of Late Summer by Melinda Burns

The God of Late Summer

         after Lorna Crozier

The God of Late Summer
makes no apology as she sweeps up
the last of the long lazy days,
pulls the sun down ever earlier,
tips the top of the maple tree
with a hint of radiance to come

She sprinkles finches on the goldenrod
singing their little flute songs even
as their colour starts to fade
She brings you peaches,
heaped in bowls, sun-blessed
sweetness rising with every bite

She still brings heat but cooler
nights and promise of respite
from barbecues, picnics, family reunions
And downpours to make
you stay inside, looking out
the windows, listening
for the thunder

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Melinda Burns is a poet in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Her poems have appeared in Fiddlehead, the New Quarterly, and One Art. Melinda is the author of “Homecoming” (forthcoming in 2025, Bookland Press).