Summer is Near

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Luke 21:29-33

Summer is Here

The night is never deep
we wake with shadows moist
heat and light define us
and we sigh with each breath.

All signs point to summer's presence
green growing and children screaming
we seek water and shade trees
drink deeply in the blossoms.

We thought we would go on forever
children without responsibility
undercover reading, private jokes
we thought we had more time.

Summer is here with a blaze
sheer pain and delight rolled in
the tang and sweet, rhubarb and strawberries
our endings are near in shadows.

Love has brought us here this far
and will build the raft as waters rise
there is much to fear and nothing to plan
let the warm rain run over our fears.