World of Words: Autumn poetry competition runner up

Seasonal Acrostic, by Mark Albany

After the barbecues, the sun cream and the wasps,

Umbrellas sneak from cupboards under stairs.

Toes wriggle in the season’s latest boots –

Unfamiliar prison, after sandals’ freedom.

Mild days are overtaken by a chillier nip;

November, with its leaden wings, awaits its turn.