The crowd has gathered – It is only days until Autumn makes his triumphant appearance, With wreaths and garlands of gold adorning his comely head. We anxiously await his inauguration, As we wave good riddance to his predecessor, Suffering now the dregs of Summer. She has given us her best, but her reign is nearing its uninspiring end. Fruits have ceased their bearing, and vegetation has withered and withdrawn. Hibernating underground; soothing, placating. Pool gates are closed, and children have returned to their cells, But the temperatures deceive us. Searing heat, drying and suffocating the last drops of life and vitality from the vine As we wait. We yearn. For…