The sunset on Sept. 22 was spectacular, and a reminder of the beauty of the San Juans.

Sounder reader Clayton Parsons submitted the following poem, which is a fitting companion to the image.

Early fall

by Clayton Parsons

Early fall has arrived at our outpost of civilization,

separated from the mainland by the depths of the Salish Sea

and long ferry lines.

Our many visitors have departed leaving the island to us.

Instead of Indian summer we call it ” Islander’s summer ” !

We’ve got it back, they say.

Our boat beckons to us at the dock, “one more time” it says.

The electrical system needs checking.

The engine rumbles to life.

Life on the water is much slower now.

The geese arrive back in our estuary, weary

after their long flight from the north.

They noisily honk out their delight at landing, then sleep

amid the cattails and are gone again in the morning.

It’s the calm before the storm.

Winter awaits, quietly, just over the horizon.

But for now I sit on my deck contemplating the

blue sky and wispy clouds.