September and autumn creeps
into summer’s room     so many
dresses – shade upon shade
of green – too many    the young girl
wants something richer to bring out
the cream of her skin  the sweep
of her dark hair    she fingers an oak
leaf   imagining herself dancing
in that shape, fiery, across the hills
smiles   yes   that will do


© by Nils Peterson.
Used with the author’s permission.