The poem describes the passing of summer and the transition from girlhood to womanhood. As the sun sets on summer, the birds that symbolized spring take flight and will not return. The girl who danced in the spring rain has grown up and is no longer present as the season changes. A new dawn arises as summer ends and the former girl now greets the future as a woman.
2. Now is the summer of my soul. The sun is slowly setting In a sky of deep russet purple; The birds of spring are flying; Never to be seen again. No longer does the daffodil Or the springtime pelting rain tickles the nose of the girl, As she dances on the golden lawn.
3. Now the girl has long since gone.... With the waning season. Now the golden sun has risen Upon a new exciting dawn; As the humble maid now greets the woman.