TRANSITION

The rose leaves fall on Summer’s pulsing breast,

In crimson showers they’re lightly blown along;

The south winds rock the blue bird’s dainty nest

Filled to the brim. Glad is the streamlet’s song.

An empty nest sways on a leafless bough;

Hushed is the gurgling laughter of the stream;

And by the garden path a folded rose

Shuts closely in its heart an unborn dream.

Beth Slater Whitson.