Time and Images 3

 

 

  

 Two Quatrains for First Frost

I.

Hot summer has exhausted her intent

To the last rose and roundelay and seed.

No leaf has changed, and yet these leaves now read

like a love-letter that's no longer meant.

II.

Now on all things is the dull restive mood

Of some rich gambler who in quick disdain

Plumps all on zero, hoping so to gain

Fresh air, light pockets, and his solitude.

-- Richard Wilbur