(sonnet # CXCVII)
CXCVII
Fair summer's at her loveliest when days
Yet linger long, their sunshine tempered by
Refreshing cool north breezes; when crickets' high
Dear treble plays throughout 'midst varied lays,
And frogs add to their roundelay; when rays
Of golden light peek, piercing foliage nigh,
Green ev'rywhere; when fall's charms subtly try
To mingle somehow: August's treats and ways.
The early flow'rs and scents decayed, a blend
Of marigolds and phlox the butterflies
Entice, who frolicking delight, and tend
To make life sweeter; while the harvest vies
For time, supplying ambrosial joy, whose end
Like summer's all too soon, as time now flies.
13/14Aug11