Gold and vermillion here the colors run
Heralding retreat to whites and greys
Marking sad surrender of summer sun
Whose lowly flight does now the land dispraise;
Leaves blush, the world ablaze, sweet summer lost
And now great fortune burning up in flame,
That verdant wonder that did hills fair gloss
Now pyrrhic plunder doomed to fallen shame!
Here still that final charge though brief was grand,
Though gold and crimson spill upon the ground
As blood and treasure strewn on conquered land
Stain sore the heart of vanquished king discrowned.
So kingdoms rise, so shall they meet their end;
The glory of new life shall life defend.

© Loubert S Suddaby. All Rights Reserved.