Celebrating (or Lamenting) Summer’s End: 7 Poetry Prompts for Seasonal Transition

As August comes to a close, everyone will have varying reactions to the end of summer and the start of fall. For some, this is a mournful transition, marking the end of beloved sunshine and summer adventures. Others will welcome the transition as a chance to slow down and rest during the darker days of autumn. No matter how you feel about the changing season, you can use this time as a wellspring of inspiration. To help you celebrate (or lament) summer’s end as you see fit, we’ve put together a list of 7 poetry prompts inspired by the seasonal transition. 

Take a walk and make note of transitional details in the world around you. 

In late August, you might notice the temperature cooling, plants shedding their petals or leaves, and squirrels stashing acorns for the winter. Bring a pen and notebook with you for a walk around the neighborhood, and make note of anything you see that signals the change of seasons. Use these details to write an imagery-rich poem about the changing world around you.

Need more inspiration? Check out these 5 poems about late summer to see what other poets notice about this time of year.

Write about what you’ve learned this summer. How have you grown?

Many people pack their summers with adventure—from camping trips to concerts to Independence Day celebrations. Often, this leads to a rapid acceleration in your personal growth, without leaving much time for personal reflection. Write a poem exploring who you were at the beginning of the season, and who you are today. 

Try flipping your point of view. 

Few things in life are truly black and white. If you’re someone who typically celebrates the end of summer, consider what scares or saddens you about the seasonal change. If you’re someone who typically mourns the end of summer, think about what you have to look forward to for the coming months, and write a poem from this new point of view—you might surprise yourself with the deep truths and complexity you find when you’re willing to explore different perspectives. 

Consider the constants in your life. Even amidst this seasonal change, what remains the same?

If you struggle with the transition between seasons, then you may find it comforting to focus on what stays the same, year after year. Write a poem that explores the contrast between the changing season and things in your life which remain stable, be they your family, your values, your hometown, or something else.

Tie up loose ends. What did you hope to achieve this summer that slipped through the cracks?

As summer begins to fade, reflect on the dreams and goals you made earlier in the year. Some of those goals may have been achieved, while others may yet to be fully realized, or abandoned entirely. Write a poem about those unfinished projects, exploring the tension between what you hoped to achieve and the reality of unfulfilled expectations. If your poem begins with a sense of shame or failure, try to end the poem with self-acceptance by forgiving yourself for what remains undone. 

Write a poem about what you’re letting go of. 

During this seasonal transition, nature will do a lot of its own letting go: the trees will lose their leaves, the summer berries will begin to fall off the vine and rot, and many birds will migrate to warmer areas. Write a poem about what you need and want to let go of before the summer ends, whether it’s a person, memory, belief, or something else. How does it feel to loosen your grip? How might you be making space for new beginnings? 

Looking for inspiration? Read these fall-inspired poems to help you accept change.

Write a poem about gathering, preservation, and preparation. 

As the seasons shift, write a poem that explores the cycles of collecting a harvest, preserving what you can, and preparing for the winter. What lessons, experiences, and achievements did you harvest this summer? In what ways can you preserve that harvest to prepare yourself for the cold months ahead? Consider your relationship to these natural cycles and the ways in which past, present, and future are all intertwined. 

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall

We hope these poetry prompts help you process your thoughts and feelings about the transition of seasons, whatever they may be. And if you’re interested in exploring more poetry about this time of year, try reading these 11 poems to help us embrace the changes of fall.