Here's a fine September day, hot and humid, indicating that
The summer, far from gasping its last breath, retains its
Strength. I swam. The water wasn't bad. I rode my bike
To work in shirtsleeves. Though I had to trim a hedge,
The months-long lack of rain had kept the shrubs from
Showing too much growth. I did the job in record time,
And, afterward, I bought some liquor, something I would
Call essential when I have to telephone my mother, who's
A vegetable. I'll let her natter for a while. She won't say
A thing I haven't heard one hundred times before, and, when
I have run out of patience, I will tell her I must go, and I will fix
Another drink with which to toast the sweet demise
Of this September day.