The End of Summer

For me the end of summer came today. The reality that both my children have not only left the home but also the province, the sobering realization that the weather is cooler, the leaves are changing colour and the garden is spent, and the noise of school children on their way to school have all left the indelible conclusion that summer is over. Not that that is a bad thing, in and of itself. Rather, it is more of a sadness or wistfulness which distance between loved ones and the passing of the joyful colours of spring and summer invites.

But there is also the pride and joy which accompanies the wistfulness in seeing the younger generation moving forward with skill and purpose toward their own place in the world. There is much in the world that needs attention. May they find their niche and place to share their gifts and themselves.

           Gift

Some ask the world

       and are diminished

in the receiving

       of it. You gave me

only this small pool

       that the more I drink

from, the more overflows

       me with sourceless light

                          -R. S. Thomas