Day in Autumn

After the summer's yield, Lord, it is time
to let your shadow lengthen on the sundials
and in the pastures let the rough winds fly.

As for the final fruits, coax them to roundness.
Direct on them two days of warmer light
to hale them golden toward their term, and harry
the last few drops of sweetness through the wine.

Whoever's homeless now, will build no shelter;
who lives alone will live indefinitely so,
waking up to read a little, draft long letters,
and, along the city's avenues,
fitfully wander, when the wild leaves loosen.

--Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926, born René Karl Wilhelm Johann Josef Maria Rilke)  (translated by Mary Kinzie-- translator's notes may be found here at Poetry magazine), Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist.

Today is the first day of autumn, as of 9:46 this morning.