The Party

Across the narrow deep valley long high clouds drift into dusk

Through the lane drowned mud slaps

Wet and wetter from rains all-night and rains all-day

Soft amber leaves begin the death rattle on wavy beech branches

Beside the undulating telephone wires that cut the sky

 

Below, a pristine white cat sits nimbly on the newly-parked car

Surveying around the summerlast garden

Still seasonally redolent in half-day sunshine,

Sodden grass, clammy soil, drip-rich stems

 

On the wisteria trellis dangle new fruits – glass jar lanterns

Swaying, tilting, glowing,

Bringing gentle light after sunset

 

Speckled rain drip-drops onto cold noses

Evening's chill descends, the coats wrap tighter,

Potato halves sit warming upon the open fires, silver jackets dulling in rising, winded soot

Hands bearing mulled ginger wine hesitate and dither before admitting defeat

Only to return outside for the smoked firework spectacle bangs and cheers

 

November birthdays are risky things, but

Party life brings winter warmth, chasing extra chill with inside cheer:

Perfect host and hostess with hearts and hearth aglow

Receive our smiles and salutes!