The South Wind Blows The South Wind is having a field day, leaves run a frantic race trying to outrun his fury, chattering in chorus as they flee Who knows what he’s stirred up today beneath a sky of towering clouds painted a menacing shade of deep slate blue Yet even the rain dares not show its face as he blows fiercely into his teacup, drumming his chest in thund’rous bellows He brings with him the autumn tied to the tails of his kite, chasing a warmth through the air But he bends great willows like saplings just to show that he can, and gives the world a good shake It’s his last hurrah before bedding down for winter. september 2007 Janet Reid