Summer

When summer fades and autumn beckons

And your days on earth pass the tipping point,

Joints may stiffen while inspiration wanes.

Just think back to carefree days, 

Those with no nagging memories 

And the future a boundless wide-open thing.

Nestled on a day bed 

With a breeze humming through cottonwood branches,

A soothing lullaby,

Conducted by a warming sun.

At the beach or by the pool,

Endless days capped with deep sleep,

Not a care in the world.

Only time, a surplus commodity.

That was untainted joy.

Now supply has  buckled under demand,

And you've lost your perspective,

You dwell too much on what happened so long ago.

Unreachable, left behind, a receding past.

But the secret is that life gives us

A new summer each and every year,

No matter your age no matter your purpose,

Come Memorial Day it's time to tweak your attitude.

Step aside, close your eyes, and remember

Or

Step outside, open your eyes,

And do it again.