Thursday, August 20, 2026

Poetry Friday: "End of Summer"

Do you mind a rerun? (It's been that kind of week, and this little poem is appropriate for the moment.) 

While out walking yesterday, I was positively pelted by small, leaping demons. Some might call them "grasshoppers" but this week — when they're in the middle of their annual August hysteria — I'm calling them "the things that torture me on my walk and make me startle a greater number of times than I did when I watched The Shining." 

I don't like flicking them off my face. 

(Thankfully, they only hit the face target once.) 

Happy August! 


Summer's End
by Karen Edmisten

August, morning walk.
The grasshoppers' pole vaulting, 
a season shifting.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Poetry Friday round-up this week is being hosted by the charming and wonderful Denise Krebs at Dare to Care

11 comments:

Carol Varsalona said...

Karen, your description of grasshoppers as small, leaping demons makes me feel sorry for you. This is bug biting season and I came home from our family beach vacation with red, itchy blotches that turned out to be chiggers in the sand that attacked me. My dermatologist came to my defense with a steroid cream to stop the itchiness but it still goes on. Your haiku is to the point in a poetic way. I hope your grasshopper demons do not disturb you on future walks.

Denise Krebs said...

Oh, my goodness. I don't mind a rerun at all! So fun. I can see (and feel) those grasshoppers pole vaulting (what a great metaphor). I'm glad you only got one on your face today.

Karen Edmisten said...

Carol, thank you for all that sympathy! :) I will send it right back to you regarding the chiggers. Chiggers are the REAL demons — awful! I was bitten by a bunch of them one summer and it was not fun. I hope you are de-itched soon!

Karen Edmisten said...

Denise, thanks! I always think that if I’ve forgotten it’s August, the end-of-summer proliferation of grasshoppers will remind me of precisely what time of year it is. :D

Linda M. said...

Those crackly, dry bodies are a bit creepy when they hit with the force of their weight. I agree. Pole vaulting is a great description of the little (big) buggers.

Irene Latham said...

He he small leaping demons. :) No one likes a grasshopper in the face! (Aside: we've been watching Australia:ALONE on Netflix. Those midgies are relentless! I couldn't take it.) xo

Karen Edmisten said...

Thanks, Linda. You’ve made me want to write a poem using “crackly” and “dry”!

Karen Edmisten said...

Irene, we love ALONE! But I haven’t seen the Australia season. Adding it to the TBW!

Linda B said...

I haven't seen one here, Karen, & from your description, guess I should be thankful! I imagine it's because of no moisture? Sorry for the challenge of those "pole vaulters''!

Patricia Franz said...

And he looks so dignified in the photo -- a little nod of the head and be on his way sort of creature. Shame on him for pelting you!

Mona Voelkel said...

I love your "vaulting grasshopper" poem and photo but am sorry he is bothering you:)