Autumn Day
after Rilke
The summer has gone on
past the point of expectation.
In the afternoons now, the ngaio
shades the fish pond.
Soon the first autumn wind
will gust up from the harbour.
It is time for us to gather
the last small peaches;
for the currants to ripen against the fence,
another day or two
pressing sweetness into the fruit.
She who left will not come now.
If we see her at all
it will be by chance, among dry leaves,
and she will not know us.