The last day of summer is technically one month away. But with the cooler temperatures and back-to-school activities, everyone is feeling the season coming to a close as the month ends. As a farewell to a season that brought stunning heat, powerful storms, winning baseball, iced coffee, and Mars rover mania, we present some August-themed haiku by Phillips’ staff paired with summertime images from the permanent collection. We welcome your haiku or other verse in the comments.

John Henry Twachtman, Summer, late 1890’s, Oil on canvas; 30 x 53 in.; 76.2 x 134.62 cm. Acquired 1919. The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C.

In August I moved

Which has both good and bad points

But now it is done

-Sue Nichols, Chief Operating Officer