A LATE SUMMER DAY
Children play a game
of their own making
involving chalk, leaves and rocks,
while adults gathered
‘round picnic baskets
laugh at their creative antics,
a red-tailed hawk circles above,
letting the wind guide its path,
its wings reflect in the glistening pond,
in a nearby field
a solitary sunflower,
following the arc of the sun,
tilts slowly from east to west
soaking up nourishment
from its rays of luminous light
while bringing delight to all
who witness the spectacle of its
wondrous, late summer presence,
a precious gift before its seeds
turn into food for hungry birds.
and the circle of life continues.
Photo of Sunflower by Marti Durkee Garvey – noted photographer based in Nashville, IN
Just Poetry and Prose 
you capture the essence of summer in this poem. ❤️
Thank you!
Oh, Rita, this is so lovely!
The photo is glorious and took me back to a train trip Rob and I did from Philly to Grand Junction, CO back in the summer of 1991 when Chris was almost 6 and Tim almost 3! We had a family compartment at the end of on of the sleeper cars on the California Zephyr and I woke up at sunrise as we were going through a huge field of sunflowers. Each of their heads was turned to face the sun. It was such a magical beautiful unforgettable morning 🌻🌻🌻🌻
One of my favorite poetic devices is consonance and your repetition of the consonant “L” makes this poem so soothing!
Children play a game involving chalk, leaves
while adults laugh
a red-tailed hawk circles
Its wings reflect in the glistening pond
in a nearby field a solitary sunflower, following the sun tilts slowly
soaking up luminous light while bringing delight to all the spectacle of late summer presence,
the circle of life Ooh la la! Thank you, thank you!
And how are you, dear friend? I hope you are continuing your healing journey from your fall. My imbalance is still present, but I am so much better than I was just a year ago.
Might we be able to talk by phone sometime soon?
Sending you and Mike love and lots of hugs!
Kaye
Kaye, your note really touched me. Your story of the train ride and sunflower field totally captured my imagination. You describe it so well. It sounds like a beautiful poem! I would love to catch up soon. Let’s plan a time. I am doing much better and I’m glad to hear you are seeing some progress. Hugs! xoxo
This couldn’t be more beautifully described and photographed. Perfect late summer dreams. Took me back to childhood imagery and imagination. Thanks Marti and Rita! — Judy