On A Late Summer Day Poem by Daniel Brick

On A Late Summer Day

Rating: 5.0


My friend,
before the tea cools, and loses
its fragrance, let us pour one more cup
and share gratifying discourse
about the ten thousand things.

Not a day goes by without
flocks of birds seeking
traces of that northward path
they will soon descend
to restore their southern homes.

Not a day goes by without
hot breezes squeezing
fragrances of early summer
across the trembling August air
deep within peach-colored apples.

Oh, can we bind together
like sheaths of wheat
these late summer days
and store them in a hidden granary
for needful seasons yet to come?

Already August dissolves
into September, which
dissolves into October, which
disappears in the first snow
of November and December ice.

Is it true, as you have said,
what we cherish we desire forever?
Then, let us cherish many things:
sheets wrinkled by sleep, pennies
stashed in a chest, old letters

from distant friends, red and yellow roses,
a book of poems given by a dear friend,
a diary, a chess set, pictures
painted by children, an amethyst crystal,
memories of a lost, beautiful love.

If it is true, as you have said,
what we cherish we desire forever,
then, let us cherish many things
so that our desires become immortal,
and our names unforgettable....

Sunday, August 24, 2014
Topic(s) of this poem: friendship
POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
I wrote this poem in 1998 but when I re-read it, it does not strike as something composed sixteen years ago. It was written at the time summer is changing into autumn, which is exactly the time of year we are entering now as I type this on August 25. The poem is addressed to my best friend, Paul, who reminded me this past winter we have been friends for fifty years. It occurs to me that friendship is one of the ways we humans conquer, or at least tame time. Paul suffered a grievous fall in his house late last winter, and is presently undergoing rehab and a slow, steady recovery. I read this poem to him during my last visit... We have always shared a love of things Chinese - food, tea, plum wine, and most especially, the poets and their poems. The imagery of the poem reflects that shared Chinese delight.
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Pamela Sinicrope 11 May 2016

This is a beautiful poem. I like your thoughts on cherishing things that elicit special memories and also desire. Since much time has passed, hope your friend is well.

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Allotey Abossey 12 June 2015

Your poem brings out the feeling of having a good friend. God bless you

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Mihaela Pirjol 31 August 2014

A heart-warming poem, unveiling the beauty of friendship.

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Valsa George 24 August 2014

Life more than a high voltage drama of occurrences of heroic proportions is one of simple incidents, friendship shared, memories and moments enjoyed with dear ones, simple scenes watched etc etc! Man is gregarious and he longs for companionship. Here the poet urges his friend to enjoy the summer evening in a heart to heart talk over a cup of tea! The poem concludes with a strong message that we should enjoy every silly single moment when we can before time runs out, before the cold blast of winter sets in! Oh, can we bind together like sheaths of wheat these late summer days and store them in a hidden granary for needful seasons yet to come? Love this stanza the most! A sweet write!

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