In The Shadow Of The Pepper Tree

Whirling, twirling;
Floating to the ground.
Such were the leaves
Curled with age,
While away to the west
'Neath the glow of a setting sun
The old lattice sighed in the Shadow
Of the green Pepper Tree.

A swish and a whoosh
Told of autumn drawing nigh
As the warm air fought for
One last summer's day.
But when the hot, searing sun
Met its match in the moon
The old lattice stretched in the Shadow 
Of the tall Pepper Tree.

Whisper, twitter, buzz, and flit
God's creatures foraged away
Seeking the gnat, the nectar, the worm,
Preparing for the cold, frigid days;
Breathe in, breathe out,
The old lattice would swing,
If only the gardener could make a way
To stretch the Shadow of the sweet Pepper Tree.

By Cheryl R. Creek
September 9, 2007