August in my Oregon

Blackberries are growing smaller

and less sweet.

Their ripe scent fills my head.

Peaches are abundant this year.

The yellow jackets are hungry for meat.

Some of the apples are falling to the ground

for lack of water.

Grass snaps under my feet.

Wine makers are heard to speak of harvest,

grapes and weather.

Tarps and rain gear are on the list.

I take a deep breath of it all.

And then another.