Last day of September, eighty-three degrees.
Last night’s rain lingers through the morning in
standing pools. Gray clouds chase white clouds across
the sky, both struck into high relief by sun.
Rich decay of autumn already emanates
from earth. A milky smear of mist follows
the river around the bend. No one knows what
will happen. The climate also seems confused.
The planet convulses in its fever.
People stare distractedly at their phones.
Early evening: rain, heat lightning, crickets.
The big storms saving their thunder for midnight.
.
Thomas R. Smith
.