Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


COLD AUGUST by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SUN HAD SHRUNK TO A DIME
Last Line: THEM DISAPPEAR IN SOUTHWARD COURSE.
Subject(s): AUGUST; BIRDS; COLD; HAWKS; SUMMER;

The sun had shrunk to a dime,
passing behind the smallest
of clouds; the field was root
bare -- shorthorns had grazed
it to leather. August's coldest
day when the green, unlike
its former self, returned to earth
as metal. Then from a swamp
I saw two large shadows floating
across the river, move up the sloping
bank, float swiftly as shadows against
the field toward where I stood.
I looked up as two great red-tailed
hawks passed overhead; for an instant
I felt as prey then wheeled to watch
them disappear in southward course.



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