Fall Farewell

Nature has a way of chastising the
prideful gardener, for when the garden
presents at the apex of its splendid glory
with overwhelming generosity of blooms
in colourful display of rainbow shades
so wonderful the blissful reaction you
experience on viewing the landscape
you feel has resulted from the skills
acquired over the years in arranging and
selecting, planting and nourishing
represent a well-earned accolade from
your inner self and you are pleased to
oblige. In her overwhelming wisdom to
her credit nature permits this conceit
though it is her handiwork and not yours
that prevails. And as the architect of all
that pleases you, she also decides when it
must be put aside in the introduction of
another of her seasons. Imposing upon you
the obligation of your ongoing tasks, this
time to disassemble all that you have
taken such pride in, by disposing of annuals
cutting back perennials, trimming shrubs
and composing all the plant waste that
provided you with countless hours of
work and undiluted satisfaction quite
aside from the beauty that surrounded you
at every turn ambling through your garden.