The Grass is Still Green          Linda Ducharme  Oct 9/19

Birds fatten – fluffed-up feathers,
trees display flower-like foliage.
Sun dares to throw heat rays
As North Wind claims victory,
But…the grass is still green.

Dawn’s warm hues herald new day’s
orange, peachy pink promises.
Venture outside – hasten back
For insulated jacket and gloves
though the grass is still green.

Water-logged fields hold harvest at bay.
Squash leaves, brittle, brown, bent and dry.
Stubborn beet leaves stand erect
stoutly supported by thick purple tubers,
And the grass is still green.

O Summer, where have you gone?
Why have you vanished so soon?
We weren’t yet finished our fun and games
swimming, beach parties, barbeques
while the grass is still green.

Blankets, cold and white will soon appear
covering all summer souvenirs,
putting to rest warm days of our youth,
hiding treasures – hot days, warm evenings and sun
while the grass was still green.

Our hair turns white, like wintry snow,
feeble limbs falter and fail,
but memories hold dear, thoughts of our dawn
as we grasp at the straws of our youth.
And surely, our grass is still green.