Hello, robin on the porch rail
eyeing the birdbath
beside marigolds
that are half-wilted, half-blooming
in this middle season of Autumn,
halfway between summer and winter,
not hot, not cold but just-right.
Spring bloomers have had their fling,
summer bloomers have gone to seed,
but the late bloomers,
fall rhododendron, dahlias, mums,
and the festive faithfuls—
marigolds, petunias, geraniums, roses—
these are the ones carrying me through,
cheering me on
as the settle-down season of winter nears.
Warmer weather has even teased a few violets
out of their sleep
under the rust-red leaves of the dogwood.
And in the chill of late afternoon,
tucked under a clump
of still-green strawberry leaves,
rests one tiny dazzling strawberry.
I consider it my duty
to save it from the frost.
Sweet and tart and fresh,
in this middle season,
this halfway, just-right season,
it tastes like summer.
-kh-

Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.

Nature of the week:

Shadow of the week:

If you want me to send these thoughts to your email each Sunday, simply sign up on the right.
Text and photos © Karyn Henley 2026. All rights reserved.