David Lawton

Autumn's Snare

All along the Hampton Beach boardwalk
The summer businesses close up as the temperature cools

The relentless stream of swimsuited vacationers
Giving way to retiree power walkers
And welfare case seacoasters on rusting bicycles

At the boarded up entrance to Blink’s Fried Dough
A spider is making quick work of a fine pelt of webbing
Which could not have existed there a week ago
Capturing both fat horseflies and sea moisture
That catches the withdrawing sunbeams in neglected corners

This is the moment the tiny things can reassert themselves
But in another month, the frost will have come
And the cold will capture everything.