Bring out the watercolor paints
to capture the lush green leaves
shadowing the Maple trees.
Prune those invasive Ivy tendrils
reaching across the brick path
winding its way to nowhere.
Lower the 15-foot blue dragon flag
aflutter in the last summer breeze
before a nor'easter blows in.
Just think about the storm door
but don't take away the screens yet:
Let's have fresh air, even cool air.
Water the Nikko Blue Hydrangeas
up until the very last moment
when Jack Frost nips through the air.
Feed the Chickadees sunflower seeds
and toss Hickory nuts to Gray Squirrels;
Keep your eyes peeled for Star-Nosed Mole.
Watch Pharaoh's Ants suck the nectar
from late-blooming Moonflowers
while this day deepens to dusk.
Wait awhile before turning on lights:
Harvest Moon will be on the rise soon
luminous and full to the brim.
Monica Enders lives in Sag Harbor.