Just a Few Days

Just a few days, that’s all there is left.

A few days of clear golden skies,

Of naked children in cool water,

Of sun-tanned skin and sun-kissed hair.

Just a few days linger before woolens replace sandals and bare feet,

Before leaves begin to fall,

Before the warm sun on the backs of our necks is a memory,

As we harvest summer’s bounteous pleasures,

Then bid them goodbye until next year.

-14 September, 2000