September 29, 2005

Something told the wild geese

Queen Shenaynay

Sixty. That's the temperature here. SIXTY! It's a miracle.

The heat has hovered around one hundred here for almost five months. We were at the verge of succumbing to that strange heat malaise that southwesterners know so well -- a drippy, drowsy churlishness that comes and goes without warning.

And then! --we awoke this morning to a glorious zing of chill. We cranked open the windows and put our biggest teapot over the warming candle.

Spuddy Buddy, while wrestling a long sleeve shirt from the back of the closet, asked with much enthusiasm, "Is it going to SNOW?" Amazing how cold 60 degrees can feel to a barbequed Texan.

I predict there will be pumpkins perched on the porch within 36 hours. And that Great Scot will whisper the word chili! in my ear shortly thereafter.
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Something Told the Wild Geese

Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, -- "Snow."
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, -- "Frost."
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly, --
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

-- Rachel Field

8 comments:

ithchick said...

"Coolth, blessed coolth."

Tim said...

Someone else who is Eager for cool weather, I see. And I concur.

X said...

This is the third thing I have seen about cool weather in Texas. I am just looking forward to a warm Texas day, not the other way around

fa-so-la-la said...

Oh, glorious, glorious! It's so much easier to be intellectual and scholarly in cold weather!

Anonymous said...

Strange...it has suddenly become cooler here also. I must say I'm rather excited!

Setiago said...

We had the most splendid weather in Memphis today. A cold front passed through last night, leaving behind a fresh, cool sky. It is quite invigorating and inspiring.

Amy Witt said...

My husband too begs for chili the first cold snap. State Fair must be around the corner..I smell corny dogs.

toesthattwinkle said...

This cold has come fast!! Two days ago it was 80 ar 85 here in Franklin and This morning it was almost as low as 45...I think. BUt itwas VERY chilly this morning. I love the fall season.