summer

Summer purred her last goodbye
On cicada's wings at night.
She scraped knees, stained tees,
Kissed our skin when we weren't looking
Left a trace on each chin, trickling,
screen door clicking
shut.

We long for the greedy feeling,
The one that promised a forever
Of empty days and
Bellies full of melons ripe;
Of evening light

Now darkening the window.
But she's still there
Amidst the freeze!
Squint your eyes again, you see?
She belongs to someone else

She's left for you's a memory
Of sweetness still to come.
And for something quite more tangible
You'll relish all her pains:
Roman candles' cries, goodbyes,
She flies, the scars don't fade

But the days do so we
Dress our wounds with pumpkin spice--
Perhaps a Christmas carol.
Wrap ourselves in cable-knits--
Gather 'round Grandma's table

So far away, but
She'll be back just when
Your freckles need reminding
Of where they sit upon your nose
Right where she left them hiding.

Be ready to receive her,
Lest you forget she's fleeting.
Her days are long but moments pass
And then, without a warning,
She'll lead us to the edge
And watch us watch her  

Fall.