There's still a straggling rose
flaunting its one last cluster
of pink blossoms
as if called upon
to mark the summer's final kiss

Now with the turning weather
the chrysanthemums
have come into their own
setting the season's tones
of lemon yellows
burgundies and pale maroons

The chill October nights
and rains pose little threat
to these vigorous upstarts
glory of the autumn garden
delighting eyes and hearts

In warmer clothes
we venture out
pruners in hand
ready to trim back
the summer's wild exhuberance

It's time to clip old canes
from raspberries and spread
the load of cedar mulch
cut back the dangling vines
reclaim the path
turn off the summer irrigation
and bring order to the shed

My wife
passionate gardener
invites and urges me
to share with her
the pleasures of the garden
as we work together
putting it to bed