Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Poem–Mourning Summer’s Passing

Mourning Summer’s Passing

I love the summer so—
bright rays of sunshine,
warm, gentle breezes,
concerts of bird calls,
and cicada dances.
Greenery everywhere—grass, shrubs, weeds,
floral blooms in every shade,
and sandy beaches with cool waves.

But the season is drifting away.
The days are growing shorter,
and the nights are cooler.
“Please, don’t leave.
I love you so,“
I beg of Summer.
She pays me no heed.
I watch her drift away.

Before we know it, leaves turn orange, red, gold.
Burning wood replaces floral fragrances.
Our wardrobe changes from sandals and shorts
to hoodies, sweaters, and slacks.
Iced cold lemonade is replaced with warm drinks,
hot soups, simmering spices, and pumpkin everything.
The transformation to autumn has its own beauty.
Sadly, it’s also a signal of winter-on-its-way.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

Tranquility Transformation Transcendence. The Enchanting Promises of Public Gardens

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Responses to “Poem–Mourning Summer’s Passing”

  1. Carol anne

    Beautiful, Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Carol Anne.

      Reply
  2. Violet Lentz

    This was such a celebration of all things seasonal. Beautiful write, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Violet. I do love the summer.

      Reply
  3. Victoria

    Beautiful, beautiful, Mary! 💝

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sweet Vicki.

      Reply
      1. Victoria

        Much love to you, Mary! 🥰

        Reply
  4. kagould17

    Your words painted a season picture Mary. Sadness that one season ends, but happiness as autumn comes on. Winter….hmmm, the jury is still out on that one, but it too has its beauty. Happy Wednesday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You’re right, Allan. Winter has its beauty, but nothing compares to a perfect summer. Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend.

      Reply
  5. gc1963

    Saying goodbye to summer and welcoming autumn 🍁 . Here summer is scorching and autumn is soothing though as you said it’s the harbinger of winter.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your input, Geeta. I didn’t know that Indian summers are that hot.

      Reply
  6. Michael Watson PhD

    One of my teachers, he was Tuvan, used to remind me that humans are a lot like bears. Come autumn and we begin to think about denning up. Sure, we still gather and stockpile and nap in the sun, but our brains know its almost time to come inside to relax by the fire.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You make such a good point, Michael. Maybe it is innate to sleep through the winter. Thank you for commenting!

      Reply
  7. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Beautiful.
    I’m not letting it go yet.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Me neither, but the weather is getting unusually cold this weekend, and I don’t like it. My sister and brother-in-law are driving through the East Coast and loving your landscape.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        The color is just barely starting!

        Reply
  8. luisa zambrotta

    Fabulous poem and great images!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you kindly, dear Luisa.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        You are welcome my dear Mary.
        It is a pleasure, as always!

        Reply
  9. Awakening Wonders

    Yes, to “concerts of bird calls”!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Don’t you miss the birds chirping come winter, Mary? We still have some birds in the winter, but they aren’t very noisy.

      Reply
  10. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    I’m not a summer person, but can appreciate the beautiful poem and photos. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ronit. What’s your favorite time of year?

      Reply
      1. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

        I’m happy with any season but summer! 🙂

        Reply
  11. Expressions

    Beautiful poem, and photos! The triple digit temperatures of summer are not soothing, or wanted. I can’t wait for autumn to feel refreshed.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I understand! We had some warm, humid days, but it was rarely too hot here for me to spend at least mornings and evenings outside. Where are you located?

      Reply
      1. Expressions

        I live in the PNW. We have had blistering triple digit temps. Evenings are in high 90s. Right now, at 6:19pm it is 99 degrees. No thank you. Lol

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          When the evenings are that hot, it is uncomfortable for sure. What is PNW?

          Reply
          1. Expressions

            Pacific Northwest.

  12. lenny unencumbered

    That’s a beautiful description of a season that I dread. I’m a Winter person. I loathe the hot, sticky Summers here in Durban, South Africa.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I can understand, Lenny. Do you have cold, dreary winters?

      Reply
      1. lenny unencumbered

        When I lived in the Highveld, yes, but with the onset of climate change, the Winters became reasonably mild over the last decade. Since I moved to the coast the Winters are extremely mild, but the Summer heat is often unbearable (particularly for me), especially with the humidity.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          And then you probably experience drought, as well.

          Reply
  13. Looking for the Light

    such a great reminder of the beauty around us

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Melinda. I hope you are doing well.

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        slowly but it will happen hopefully by the end of the year.

        Reply
  14. Rosaliene Bacchus

    A beautiful ode to summer, Mary. Since the extreme heat here in Southern California has turned summer into the season I most dread, I look forward to the cooler autumn days.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The weather is definitely changing across the country. The Midwest is pretty moderate year-round, but we don’t get the sunlight in the winter. It can be depressing. Thank you for your input, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        The loss of sunlight during the Midwest winter would certainly depress me 😦

        Reply
  15. Dawn Pisturino

    This has been a particularly difficult summer, so I’m looking forward to fall. Your poem is beautiful and heartfelt. I love it!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sorry your summer hasn’t been good, Dawn. I appreciate your kind words despite your weather difference.

      Reply
  16. worldphoto12

    WOW

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
      1. worldphoto12

        🙋‍♀️✌

        Reply
  17. Anonymous

    Lovely Mary,

    I love the changing seasons. Transition after transition is life’s common thread. I hope to see you before too long.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello, this post is marked as anonymous, but I am sure I look forward to seeing you too!

      Reply
  18. Shweta✨

    Very beautiful description of both the seasons. Happy Autumn.🍂🍁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Happy autumn, Shweta. I appreciate you commenting.

      Reply
  19. gustavo_horta

    Sensibilidade máxima. Adorável

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Muito obrigada, meu amigo.

      Reply
  20. Stephen Nielsen

    I’m glad for the cooler days.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      From what I’m reading, many readers have had a hot summer. May your autumn be perfect, Stephen.

      Reply
  21. joannerambling

    Just so lovely

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you much, Joanne.

      Reply
  22. johnlmalone

    lovely poem,Mary; there’ll be no mourning winter passing from this chickadee 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      May every day be perfect for you, John.

      Reply
  23. mjeanpike

    This is lovely, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, M Jean. I hope you are enjoying your day.

      Reply
  24. Monkey’s Tale

    A beautiful goodbye to summer. I love summer too. Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You probably travel in warmer weather, as it’s a little easier than trudging through cold winds. Thank you, Maggie.

      Reply
      1. Monkey’s Tale

        Oh, but I live in a cold climate and somehow we always seem to be home for a lot of the winter lately 😊

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Come here and visit during the summer, my friend. I’d love to see you in person!

          Reply
          1. Monkey’s Tale

            I may take you up on that one day 😊

  25. Mid-Life Mama

    I observed the first changes in the leaves this week. Hard to see the summer end. Your poem resonated and I enjoyed it very much🍁.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy the poem resonated with you. Many readers said their summer was too hot. All the best!

      Reply
  26. Joseph Glidden

    Nice poem. Summer seemed to slip by quickly this year. So far the forecast for September is nice here, so it seems like our summer got extended a bit.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good to hear, Joseph. Enjoy the beautiful days.

      Reply
  27. Hazel

    It always fascinates me to think that other places have four seasons. I would have loved to try it with its beautiful transition. The autumn leaves, sweaters, and warm drinks sound lovely.

    Enjoy the autumn there, Mary. Many dream of experiencing it, especially in those people who live in tropical and hot countries.

    Hugs!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      There is a unique joy to every season, and it helps us enjoy the days as they differ through the months. Thank you for contributing your thoughts, Hazel.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        Indeed. My pleasure, Mary

        Reply
  28. PradP

    Beautiful lines…trying to hold the comfort of summers. Nice poem Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Prad. I appreciate your comment. Have a great day.

      Reply
  29. Cindy Georgakas

    I loved this poem, Mary… I’m always sad to see summer go! 🩷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy you liked the poem and love the summer, my friend. Blessings to you.

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        I sure did and holding on til the last sun high!~!~! xoxoxoxo 💕

        Reply
  30. waleed youssief 🇪🇬

    Very beautiful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you kindly.

      Reply
  31. Ritish Sharma

    Such a sweet read ❤️ Love that bittersweet feelin of saying goodbye to summer. Each season brings its own kind of magic, even if we’re not ready to let go yet.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are right, Ritish. Every season has its wonders. All the best to you.

      Reply
  32. Jeannette Elizabeth Geist-Marcelli

    Well ❤️thought out and written. As much as I love summer, I do look forward to the fall with it’s beautiful 🍃🍂colors. I live in NJ so sometimes the seasons are too much of one, and not enough of the other these past several years. Hoping winter doesn’t show up too soon! I want to enjoy the 60-70 degree days before bringing out my winter coat!😝😏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I hear you, Jeanette! We are in a time of extremes. Today is 20 degrees cooler than yesterday here in the Chicago area. Moderate temps are delightful, especially with sunshine.

      Reply
  33. Jacqui Murray

    I’ve been watching the days shorten since June and only now does it start to feel like Fall.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The leaves are just beginning to change here. It’s exciting to see the colors–but then–we know what comes next! Thank you, Jacqui.

      Reply
  34. Joshi M

    Your words capture the fleeting beauty of summer and the gentle arrival of autumn with such elegance. Loved it ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joshi, and welcome to Midwest Mary. It is a pleasure to meet you.

      Reply
      1. Joshi M

        Mary, engaging with writing like yours is always refreshing and inspires me in my own work too 😊

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          We will inspire each other, I’m sure.

          Reply
          1. Joshi M

            Absolutely !looking forward to that.

  35. Eternity

    Thanks for your like of my post, “On The Other Side Of Pain;” you are very kind.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome, but it would be nice if you commented on my posts and not yours.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Ok. Please forgive me. I will do better.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          No worries at all. I’m honored to see you here.

          Reply
          1. Eternity

            Thank you very much

  36. Penn,…

    Great to hear your audio Mary,, … and yes, …Summers passing most definitely leaves us with a feeling of sadness, like saying bye to an old friend,…Whilst Autumn colours bring joy, l agree once Winter comes around it seems it lingers longer, … with wrapping up a dire necessity, …brrr, … hoping your days been a good one…💙

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Penn, seems like we are like-minded. Thank you for your input, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Penn,…

        💙🤗

        Reply
  37. Michele Lee

    You’re a ray of sunshine, dear Mary. The warm golden kind that both offers a respite and energizes. Thank you. Love the preview of autumn, too. 🍂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are a sweetheart, dear Michele. Thank you. Sending love.

      Reply
  38. Kym Gordon Moore

    Oh what a wonderful ode to Summer dear Mary. 🌄 What an adorable hummingbird by the way! What a lovely read my friend. Hugs and big smooches!!! 💖🥰💋

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Those hummingbirds are my friends, Lady Kym. I love them so much! Thank you for joining the conversation, dear friend. Love you.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        You are so very welcome. I’ve had fewer hummingbird sightings this year! 😥 I’ll just prepare for their return in the spring! Love, hugs, and smooches Lady Mary! 😍💖🤗🌺🐞

        Reply
  39. Edward Ortiz

    Beautiful poem, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. Have the best weekend, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome, and same to you, my friend.

        Reply
  40. Lauren Scott, Author

    This is so beautiful, Mary, and I love all your visuals. Lately, summer gets hotter and hotter, so without air conditioning, it’s brutal. But luckily, this summer was mild, so more enjoyable. I look forward to the warm tones and simmering spices though. 🧡

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      The seasons and extremes sure are changing, Lauren. You are right about that. We didn’t have air conditioning when I was a child, and I remember those hot, uncomfortable evenings. Wishing you many blessings.

      Reply
  41. johnlmalone

    that last stanza glows; we are farewelling Winter down under and welcoming Spring 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      May your spring be glorious, dear John.

      Reply
      1. johnlmalone

        thank you, Mary 🙂

        Reply
  42. P. J. Gudka

    Before you know it, summer will be back- time flies by so fast these days.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are right about that, Pooja. We are rapidly moving through September already! Love you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        Yeah, a week is almost gone by! Love to you as well, have a great month of September.

        Reply
  43. Eternity

    As a child, there was nothing quite like summer. We had three months of summer vacation, and I made every minute of summer count. As fall came, and the sky changed it cast, I had a horror for what I knew would soon fool. Going from shorts, tennis shoes, a tee shirt and a fishing pole, it was not a pleasant thought to know that all of that would change before long, as I would change over to blue jeans, a sweater, a jacket or coat, and think about what was behind me, and what would not appear again for another nine months. Norman Rockwell would would stay in my mind until I could get back into my shorts, tennis shoes, tee short, and fishing pole. Such was my life as a child.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s wonderful getting to know you! Thank you for adding your thoughts to this post. I greatly appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        You are very welcome. You are a wonderful writer; I appreciate you too.

        Reply
  44. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Astrological noir

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your input, Swamigalkodi.

      Reply
  45. SiriusSea

    Mary ❤ … A perfect poetic essence for the season encapsulated so beautifully … I could swing on the porch and sip pink lemonade all day with you while enjoying your art, birds, and the garden … Yet my fav weather is coming and will swap for blankets and slipper socks with cozy fireplaces with warm hearts aglow and movie nights!! You are magic!!! Love to you, Earth 😇 Angel ~ Always !!! Siri

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Oh, gosh. I do love you, Ms. Siri. Well, then let’s chit-chat on the sofa in front of the fire together, my friend.

      Reply
      1. SiriusSea

        ❤ !!!

        Reply
  46. Garden Bliss

    Beautiful, Mary. It’s always difficult when summer comes to an end. Winter brings its own delights. Our fire is still on here.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Enjoy your fire and flower time of year as things are beginning to bloom for you, Flavia.

      Reply
  47. doreenshealthandwellness

    I love this poem. I don’t like that it’s true. Here in CT. doesn’t feel like we had any summer. But I like the fall. Just don’t like winter. 🌺

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello Doreen, why didn’t it feel like summer? Was it too hot or chilly?

      Reply
      1. doreenshealthandwellness

        Good morning, it was raining a lot, not that it wasn’t needed. Just not many hot days for me. August came in and left quickly. Now it’s September. Soon Winter😭 Have a great day.

        Reply
  48. Willie Torres Jr.

    Beautifully written, Mary 🍂 You captured the bittersweet passing of summer so well. And the pictures are beautiful too…

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind comment, Willie. I appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        It is always my pleasure… You are always in my thoughts and prayers…

        Reply
  49. Max Muhammad

    as usual you struck the balance and put so much heart, soul and depth into this. engaging and lasting as usual. ain’t nobody like you

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Mister Max, you humble me. Thank you, my friend.

      Reply
  50. K. Ravindra

    Beautifully said, Mary. It’s always bittersweet when summer fades away, but winter brings its own charm. Our fire is still burning warmly here

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We enjoy the days, whatever they bring, don’t we, K. Ravindra?

      Reply
  51. Nancy Ruegg

    Just yesterday I told my husband on the way to church that I was trying to soak up all the greenery I could, before the drabness of winter sets in. And yet summer is not my favorite season. We lived in Florida for 40 years where we endured heat and humidity aplenty. At least here in the Midwest it doesn’t last as long. I prefer the cool days of fall, and all the autumn things you mentioned (except pumpkin everything)! 😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Maybe it’s the spices, apples, and colorful leaves that cheer you. I do appreciate you, my friend.

      Reply
  52. Carol Balawyder

    I love your poem. I feel the same way about summer leaving. 🙏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Carol, we are getting a bit of a reprieve in the Midwest. It’s warmed up for about another week. Hopefully, you are getting the same treat. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  53. Stephanie

    Gorgeous, Mary. I’m feeling this, this year, whereas summers once went on and on. ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I hope you are doing well, Stephanie. Thank you for joining in the conversation, my friend.

      Reply
  54. C. H. Gökdemir

    Such a beautiful poem

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and welcome to Midwest Mary.

      Reply
  55. Amy

    Beautiful poem, Mary! I’m not quite ready for the change.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I know! Fortunately, we are having some warmer weather again, although the leaves are turning and falling. Have a fabulous day, Amy.

      Reply
  56. Eternity

    Your works are always very good. Especially, I love to hear your voice recording. Please keep up your good work….Your like of my post, “Isaiah Chapters 35-36” is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        You are very welcome.

        Reply
  57. The Introverted Bookworm

    Oh, wow! What a beautiful poem, Mary. You truly have a talent with words 💜💜💜

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. That is so nice of you to say.

      Reply
  58. hubertprevy

    I think, autumn has its own charm 🌈🌦

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Every season does. Thank you for being here, Hubert.

      Reply
  59. emroserichs

    Such a beautiful poem, Mary. The photos are lovely too.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. It was a pretty fall here. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
  60. Rebecca Cuningham

    lovely poem of transition to autumn to winter…

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you very much, Rebecca.

      Reply

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