Friday, September 2, 2011

Summer Was


I thought there would be no summer
Arriving late, nearly not at all,
Ushered in with rain and clouds
Just as spring had been.


I knew when it was due,
Not merely by the calendar
But by some ancient rhythm,
After July 4th, or sometime later.


Sometime later was when it came,
Later and later, or so it seemed
While I dreamed of sun and balmy days
Not haze and sixty degrees.


"It's too cloudy." I whined
But we traveled no less
Through a land that was blessed
With those infrequent rains.


And summer was there
In the grasses and grains,
The wondrous white clouds,
And mountains slowly disrobing.


It was there in the storms
Bringing torrents and thunder,
Burgeoning insects and flowers,
And sweet-smelling trees.


"It's too cold." I complained
As we took a long drive
To the Top of the World
Where the snow still piled high.


And summer was there
In the blue of the skies,
The eyes of dear friends,
And each intricate bloom.


It was there in the wind,
And the rushing of water,
Tumbling down to the valleys
In some crystal clear days.


"It's too wet!" I lamented
Although I certainly knew
Even dew would be welcome
Where the temperatures soared.


And summer was there
Where the mustangs roam free,
In the colors of canyons,
With rivers brim-full and raging.


It was there with the wildlife,
With young and well fed,
In thunderous sounds and bright sights
Of some warm balmy nights.


"I can't work outside." I bitterly cried,
But the rain just kept on.
Cold, wet ground spewed forth growth
Like I couldn't believe.


Summer doesn't distinguish
Between "flowers" and "weeds"
It spurs on roses, fuchsias, and lilies
And miniature forests of trees.

Summer mixes the colors
And scatters the seeds,
Adds heaping amounts of things
You might rather not see!


"The weeds will take over!" I sadly sighed,
But sallied forth bravely
And you know what I found?
Small treasures were hidden all over the yard!


For summer was working
Quite unbeknown to me,
Quietly pushing, pulling, cajoling
And bursting its seams....


I was shocked when I realized
Fall was all a-buzz.
I thought there was no summer
But there was. Oh there was!

5 comments:

  1. Beautiful! And a lovely sight for sore, hot, eyes!

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  2. Ah, yes. Almost Labor Day and we hardly had a summer. But your photos are gorgeous and inspiring. At least we have some warm sunshine this weekend.

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  3. Yes, here in W. WA. summer has arrived just in time to compete with fall! Better late than never, I guess... too late for my pitiful crop of tomatoes, tho, and I never was able to get any other veggies in the ground this year. Too much coming & going & when I had the time it was raining. NEXT year!

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  4. OH!!!!! this is the most beautiful post...your pictures are amazing!!! stunning!! your words...flowing between each inspiring shot.
    sometimes it's easy to complain...to whine...wishing things were different...wanting it dry when it's wet, cold when it's hot...but then when we appreciate everything for what it is...and open our eyes...and heart...and listen very closely...we can realize that life is what we make it. wonderful post ladybug!! xxxooolaura

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