As they end their search <br />for fireflies with only three in the jar <br />I realize summer is nearing its end. <br />The signs are all around me. <br />How did I miss them creeping up? <br /> <br />The tiger lilies that proudly <br />lined the driveway, <br />greeting each guest with a <br />brilliant show of color, <br />are now nothing more than green <br />swords waving at the kids as they <br />ride their bikes past. <br />The once bright orange blooms <br />are lying on the ground <br />crisp and brown <br />waiting for the next good breeze <br />to take them on their first (and last) journey. <br /> <br />The neighbors tree is starting to <br />change into it's Autumn wardrobe already. <br />Its uppermost leaves shimmering in the sun <br />an almost exotic combination of <br />reds and oranges. <br />Its message reads as clear <br />as if it were a billboard: <br />''SLOW DOWN- Summer ending soon! '' <br /> <br />I see even the kids are showing <br />signs of Falls quick approach. <br />They're losing that spring in their step <br />and now are moving along at half-pace. <br />They seem to sense the upcoming school year <br />and I can see the dread in their eyes <br />as if they're losing their best friend <br />and there's nothing they can do about it. <br /> <br />With a look of hopelessness <br />I watch them open up their jar <br />to release the three fireflies. <br />But, unlike their usual releases <br />where they tip the jar upside-down <br />and shake the creatures out, <br />this time they just removed the lid <br />and set the jar on the picnic table. <br /> <br />They sat there patiently <br />watching until the last firefly <br />had found its way out. <br />It was as if they knew <br />this would be the last time <br />they caught them until next year <br />and they needed time to say goodbye.<br /><br />Mary Nagy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/they-said-goodbye-2/
