It was in autumn

Up in the north the sky’s a brassy red,

as signal of this monstrous storm’s approach,

whilst we experience a mounting dread

although we still have water and soft bread

enough to keep our planning from reproach.

Up in the north the sky’s a brassy red,

while on this hillock all the truth’s been said,

we are just noting that the clouds encroach 

whilst we experience a mounting dread.

We chose to stay, although our neighbors fled,

the basic fact is one we need not broach:

Up in the north the sky’s a brassy red

informing us that what we fear’s ahead,

as ineluctable as swift cockroach,

whilst we experience a mounting dread

feeling the weight of air as hard as lead

on our stiff shoulders, sensing storm approach.

Up in the north the sky’s a brassy red,

whilst we experience a mounting dread.