Summer's Legacy

On Midsummer's Eve, the half year turns and the long, slow climb is over. Gone are the growing pains of Winter and Spring as each day becomes a little shorter. June is poised to slip gently down the months through late Summer into Autumn; a time to be tasted like good wine, to be savoured and appreciated. A pageant of colours painted gloriously, reflected in dahlias and chrysanthemums, hot red and yellow to subtle amber, gold and wine, all is relaxed in warmth and peace. A drowsy time when the blessings of maturity blanket the whole earth in contentment, a glowing Summer slowly fading. Without consent, there comes a day when the breeze is a little cooler, wafting away hypnotic Summer scents. Late evening brings the smell of Autumn and death is in the air. The days take on a haze of lost glory and Nature's dress fades slowly into brown. The leaves lie curled and crisp beneath our feet and the tang of a garden bonfire proclaims the end.