The Gathering Time

The Gathering Time Sweltering cloying wet heat. Gladiolas in bunches displayed along the roadside by their handlers, Covered only by sheets at night, restless, waiting for a breeze. Beef steak fruit, sweet corn, black diamond melon sweetness. Then without warning The hint of it appears. The dawn coolness laden with fallen dew. The subtle changing fragrance of the air then dissipates towards noon, Only to reappear more vivid in its message of fragrance upon the next awakening. Flies now gathering on the kitchen window sills in the sun. Still crystalline blue sky. Greenness of shimmering leaves-but only for now. Tassels now bend over the crisp, sun-burned leaves sheltering corn. Red fringe to sumac covering the hillsides. The closing down of summer soon at hand - The gathering time for reflections and nuances of emotion and desires, We come together to bask in the sun – waiting.