Like Bidding Farewell to a Friend...

It had to be...

one final farewell poem to my friend, August

It is like bidding farewell to a friend

August's departure tugs at love's heartstrings

So we pay closer heed to simple things

Because summer is drawing to the end

And we cannot afford to miss its bliss

As August days fly upward like a spark 

As cricket-minstrels fill the early dark

With a prelude to summer's parting kiss 

As fruited vines and orchards steal the show

And we are torn between gladness and grief 

So we look longer at each flower and leaf

Sensing the imminence of letting go 

A slice of heaven slips beyond our reach

As August fades into the blue bygone

And we count countless blessings one by one

Buttery cobs of corn, and juicy peach

Fat tomatoes and rainbows, zinnia-hued 

And lawns, where shadows pooled and children played

And heart-shaped frames filled with memories made

And happiness, speechless with gratitude

I love your butterflies and honey bees

Aw, farewells always seem to come too soon

Especially for each August afternoon

That wafts away like bubbles on a breeze

'I love you August, till we meet again'

Time's bittersweet demise is bound to be

But is the thing that draws you back to me

So farewell, darling August until then  

Janet Martin