After The Ball

Flit Robin trembles stray spinster ears;
slumped wheat bejewelled by dew,

faded maids, un-gathered, edge pale
autumns sighed farewell sonata.

Crisp rimed icing sugar frost sprinkles
sycamore skeleton palms, outstretched

in last dance dalliance
to winter's unhurried collection.

Stragglers due, the welcoming Earth
spreads her chestnut-rich ruined carpet;

loamsoft arms to enfold
those at their end.

------------
2004