Bounty’s return

Balmy summer nights
           when sleep eludes us
we toss and turn
           beneath the stars
praying for the return
           of cooler days
and cooler nights
           wishing the moment away

But these are moments
           sent to test our mettle
what thoughts what feelings
           rule our roost
what fervour drives
           our ambitions
what love keeps us
           alive

Everywhere the roses have faded
           their petals dry and drooping
their season past : dust awaits them
           but in our skies welcome clouds
will soon come and rains will fall
           and turn the land green once more
and restore us
           to our bounty

John Lyons