Summer Solstice - Maya Spector

[Larry Robinson]

Summer Solstice

The garden is so full of its good green life -
Baby tomatoes swelling on the vine –
Pansies coming, rhododendrons going.
Cosmos opening up towards the sun –
Light lingers far into the evening now.
It is easy to ignore the return of the dark.

We won’t notice that 
tomorrow’s daylight lessens.
Summer is here, with its 
warm days and baseball,
beach trips and wine in outdoor cafes.
Why should we watch for shadowy fingers
reaching around the edge of the doorframe?

Dazzled by the light
We turn a blind eye to what comes this way.
Up the dusty road -
a stranger in a slouching hat,
approaches slowly and relentlessly
slicing through the heat shimmers.

Take your time, friend.
Your pockets may be filled with blood-red rubies
but we are not yet ready for your gifts.
Take your time.

	- Maya Spector