Late August - From a Neighborhood Child

LATE AUGUST It’s late August with Labor Day on my mind Something sharp and indistinct is in the air I sense it all along my prickled skin My forehead in my hair Kids would seem to play more frantically as though to say “All is quit right after Labor Day.” Denver always has a big parade It’s really not for us Men have traded guns for overalls Tanks and silver helmets for baker’s builder’s trucks The bands are poor and few plain-shoed players not too fine The working men keep tipping hats walk in staggered lines One good thing late August brings A smell of football’s in the air A roll on churchyard grass – You’re tackled miss a pass There are a few good things late August brings To soften thoughts of school opening BUT Mother’s busy with needle and thread A trip downtown To Gano Downs The dread “Back to School Sale”