Autumnal Equinox

The fall equinox lurks around the corner. But when today's weather person talks about highs of 80 in September in Minnesota I just shake my head, and reassess the wisdom of wearing a long-sleeved blouse I had mentally cued up last night.



Autumnal Equinox


Later sunrises and earlier sunsets
march toward one another like troops
in pincer formation

battling the muggy days that lay siege
to a usually brisk September.

Juxtaposed against public pools
padlocked and settled for hibernation,
skateboarders in shorts fly by.

Youth relishing a reprieve from jackets,
unconcerned with why. The familiar chill
of fall, lacking.

To the north
cool, Canadian air hesitates to cross
the border, perturbed by political posturing.

And for the foreseeable future
                                       more night than day.



Marilyn Aschoff Mellor