Yield

It offers a sense of seclusion,

of safety, almost: full-grown maize

in the height of summer.

A vast and dense field of large,

narrow leaves on firm stalks that

rise higher towards its centre.

On its edges, it hides horizons,

frames the sky and muffles sound

while offering wind a rustle.

And, what's more, there is

this prospect of it being mown,

somewhere deep in September.

It forebodes a coming season

where shortened days

light up over stubble fields.