AUGUST

AUGUST CHILL

It is August, but

A hint of winter is

In the air.  Much too

Early; it gives you

Something to think

About.  We have

Learned to take it

As it comes

Across the street

There is a field of grass

Along with a circular

Pond of water about

Ten feet across.  In

The middle of the pond

Stands a man with his

Arms outstretched much

Like you would expect

Of a scarecrow

He had a full beard

And medium length

Curly hair.  He is wearing

A black cassock which

Just covers his knees

There are birds flying

Around but not making

Much noise. Further back

In the field is an old church

It looks abandoned, but

There is smoke coming out

Of the chimney.  There are

No cars, trucks, or buses

I think about it and conclude

To my satisfaction that

The man lives in the church

And does what he can to

Keep people from intruding

He is his own minister

And sings songs from the

Requiem and stays until

He feels redemption

His songs are soul cleansing

I feel exhilarated.  Everything

Is coming together for me

Let it snow; let it snow; let it snow

Stanski

August 27, 2025, ^