September, Just Before the Rain

The mist pools purple in the dell

Above the hills the ether realm

Of dark recedes; as mercy pleads

And keeps its Hand upon Time’s helm

The sky lowers before the rain

Its air, heavy with nature’s sighs

Of unshed tears unleashing years

In pantomime before closed eyes

Sedum dons sheen of autumn blush

The bushes decked in silk and dew

Beguile the heart with winsome art

As we bid sweet summer adieu

The madrigal of cricket-lay

Corn-fields like chartreuse infantry

Bear testament to Time’s intent

Folding summer to history

This path of brief mortality

Leads through each sundry season-hall

God’s kindly grace to human race

Extends, expands beneath it all

© Janet Martin

I like being outside just before the rain.