This witty poem about apples and pears and seasonal occupations of young rascals is by Theodor Storm, a well-known German writer.  He wrote it about 150 years ago and it was published in a calendar to portray late summer woes (and pleasures).

I couldn’t find a translation so I tried my hand on it.  Bear in mind that the German is by choice overly polite and very contrived.  If somebody knows of a translation, I’d be very interested to read it:

August (personal ad)

The esteemed lads who are this season
planning to steal my apples and pears
are kindly requested if at all possible
to restrain themselves in these affairs
so as not to trample my carrots and peas
In the adjoining patches, please.

Here is the orignal:

August (Inserat)

Die verehrlichen Jungen, welche heuer
Meine Äpfel und Birnen zu stehlen gedenken,
Ersuche ich höflichst, bei diesem Vergnügen
Wo möglich insoweit sich zu beschränken,
Dass sie daneben auf den Beeten
Mir die Wurzeln und Erbsen nicht zertreten.

Linked to K’lee and Dale’s Cosmic Photo prompt: The end of summer.