Autumn announced herself
last night, not to stay, just
a preliminary visit
a readiness inspection.

Her breath from the North
cleared the sky of its foggy warmth
and brought the scent
of sharpened pencils.

It’s August though
and autumn was just
checking preparations
for early evenings and cool nights.

The water is still warm and time
remains for another sail
a stretch in the sun and one last
fresh tomato picnic.