Summers To Come

On Summer's passing

Just once more, I thought, as I retrace the familiar stones cutting through the grass

One more day of warmth, of rays to soothe these tired bones

Though the sun climbs high and bedazzles, I still feel the chill moisture splashing at my ankles

And I pause at the flower beds, where, not long before, did blaze with colour and shape, where boisterous fruits leaned temptingly to me

Yet now those nettles crowd around, and couts grasses overwhelm

The poor shed looks lonely, bedecked in shimmering web and climbing weed

The sullen green carpet of lawn, now recessed while sun dances cautiously on it's blades

This is where little dog ran, zealously chasing swirling dandelion seeds afloat and shadows of painted ladies on the grass

I see, at the end of the lonely path, the little round bench

It stands like a monolith with the encroaching grass, biting at it's feet

And there, on it's weather-worn top, sits a solitary, wilted candle

It's spent wax frozen in a memory

A glimpse of starry nights and pixied lights

Of laughter, and the smoke of fires kindled

Of merry wine and gasping beer, and song, so much song

And I turn away and seek the horizon, for some signal of warmth, some echo of summer

Yet, even the rich conifers stoop in mock sadness, bowing before me with mourning at summer's passing

Now, in the gleaming sky, I catch the the flailing white geese in their determined flight

Like arrows piercing the sky, they pursue the sun in a larger place

They know the seasons, they know their time

Gone are the darting House Martins and the doves who drove us mad with call

Lost to me is the little shy Wren who dared to peep in my window

And where is my devoted friend, the Robin, who braved my toil, to hop for grubs in my freshly tilled soil?

He stared at me, with curious eyes, his head cocked to one side.

I miss my summer friends

Yet, although, as sunshine recedes, giving way to glory and colour on horizon

I know that sleep will come, for land and creature

That all will nestle in winter's stark embrace

Till cold gives way, to a brand new day

When joy once again will abound in this garden

And the sun will smile and stay a while, for many good days