Time's Laggard

The house of summer closed its doors.
But like one fey or blind
I dreamed that I was still inside;
I kept it so in mind.

Now I am mocked by time’s own truth;
A wild grapevine, far-flung,
Drops frosted fruit; at my campfire
The smoke sticks out its tongue.

The wind pelts me with colored leaves,
While in an oak a crow
Prophesies that an Arctic clock
Is striking the hour of snow.

    Original Citation
    The Saturday Evening Post (15 Oct. 1960) 125.
    Word Count
    74
    Original Publication
    Date Published
    1960
    Complete Poems
    104
    Theme(s)
    First Line
    The house of summer closed its doors.
    Poetic Form
    closed
    Twitter Quote
    A wild grapevine, far-flung, / Drops frosted fruit