So Long Summer
The anticipation of her arrival is palpable for months. She blazes in, convertible top down, radio blaring, hair a wild tempest, and that smile…oh that glorious smile!
You can feel her all-encompassing embrace even before she greets you. And when she does wrap you in her arms, it soothes your soul and pulls that inner child out from under the staircase.
“Come, let’s have some fun!” she says, twirling you around and causing you to erupt in a fit of giggles. The joy you feel in her presence is indescribable. It’s an exquisite combination of indulgence and ease.
Kicking back on side-by-side porch swings, you sip lemonade and savor every moment. Sunshine smiles down, while Mother Nature sighs with contentment.
“Oh how I’ve missed you, my friend,” you say as you sit mesmerized by her presence. She smiles back at you, handing you a treasure she has just picked. It’s a dandelion, with a crown of white puffy seeds. “Make a wish,” she says.
Closing your eyes, you proclaim your wish, “I wish you could stay forever!”
Her laugh, deep and hypnotic, floats through the air among the dandelion seeds, scattering with the wind to places unknown.”My dear, if I stayed forever I would surely bore you. We would never want that now, would we?”
You shrug. “I suppose. It’s just that I love you so much! You make me feel so good, so happy inside!”
“I know, sweetie. I’m your favorite,” she says with a wink. “But my siblings have their talents too, you know.”
“I know,” you respond. “It’s just that Winter always seems to overstay her welcome.”
Summer chuckles. “She can’t help it, honey. She’s just not as peppy as me. Once she settles in, she finds it hard to move. And besides, she has some beautiful gifts, you must admit.”
“Yes, I guess,” you say with a sigh.
“Let’s enjoy every minute we have together, o.k.?” she says as she cradles your hand in hers.
As usual, the time of her visit goes by in a flash. You notice that little by little the length of her days get shorter. You ignore, you pretend it’s not the case, but eventually you are faced with the sight in front of you. She sits behind the wheel of her convertible (top up), sweater draped across her shoulders, bags stacked in back and ready to go. You feel a tear escape and slide down your cheek as you embrace her one last time. Your heart feels a little heavier and you find it hard to unwrap yourself from her arms.
“Goodbye, sweet thing,” she shouts as she starts her engine. “No tears, o.k.?”
“O.K.” you say as you wipe your cheek.
“And remember, love. Give my siblings a warm welcome when they arrive! Toodle-oo!”
You blow a final kiss, “I will,” you shout. “I promise.”
As she drives off, you can hear the lyrics on her car radio…”Summertime and the livin’ is easy.”
“See you soon,” you say, as your voice cracks. “See you soon.”