this high summer we love will pour its light
the fields grown rich and ragged in one strong moment
then before we're ready will crash into autumn
with a violence we can't accept
a bounty we can't forgive
night frost will strike when noons are warm
the pumpkins wildly glowing
the green tomatoes straining huge on vines
queen anne and blackeyed susan will struggle rusty
as the milkweed stakes her claim
she who will stand at last dark sticks barely rising
up through snow her testament of continuation

WE'LL DREAM OF A LONGER SUMMER
BUT THIS IS THE ONE WE HAVE
I LAY MY SUNBURNT HAND ON YOUR TABLE:
THIS IS THE TIME WE HAVE

-Adrienne Rich