Today's poem is by Gail Thomas

Aubade Between Seasons
       

Suddenly the hummingbirds battling
over a red blossom disappear,

replaced by goldfinch swaying
on bent necks of late sunflowers.

Ravished seed heads spear through
mist, dawn drags its feet, sun

retreats to its far corner, scent
of earth and rot, green tomatoes

that lost their bid to ripen. One
last morning glory opens, one

bloody leaf splays the fading lawn.
Raucous jays set off alarms, wind

chimes in counterpoint. Orange
and yellow marigold jewels, still

unfrozen, wait to drape ofrendas
on Dia de Muertos. Skin, hair,

lips and teeth of long-gone lovers
call out, desire like a low flame

simmers before first frost's kiss.

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Copyright © 2023 Gail Thomas All rights reserved
from Leaving Paradise
Human Error Publishing
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission