squeezing summer sweetly….
I’m squeezing summer sweetly
held tender against my cheek
with hands cupped firm and light
to feel it’s aliveness
while the earth all around
seems to relax
as the season’s voice grows soft and low.
I love the end of summer,
the unplugged, acoustic version of bright golden days.
My soul strums along
a lovesong of thanks
for the gift that it’s been.
~for the bounding, prancy, splashy ebullience of Libby and Lucy
on any sort of beach.
~for the exquisite first bites of summery goodness
-the first juicy slice of tomato still warm from the vine
-the first burst of crisp watermelon in my mouth
-the first dribbly munch of fuzzy peach
slipping easy from the seed.
~for the soothing collision of comfort and thrill
as my overheated, garden-scratchy, mosquito-itchy skin
plunges into cool chlorinated joy.
(and for peace as a swimming pool becomes a sacred space)
~for suntanned toes pretty in purple polish.
~for all the winged and furry messengers
that visited my garden
with their whispers and songs and tales to tell.
~for the exhale in my muscles and mind
as I slid my thumbnail down the seams of shells
and freed blackeyed peas to scurry into the waiting bowl,
the big green one,
cracked and chipped from all the years of being loved.
~for the mile high squeals and windy laughter of cousins all together
zooming across turquoise skies
in the scariest, soaringest rollercoaster
I’ve ever dared ride
(and threw my hands in the air…..for the first time ever)
~for the lemon-glazed berry scruffins my daughter brought me
after her early mornings baking sweets at the local artisan bakery
and the even sweeter times we shared
before she flew away to her new home in Nashville for grad school
…..so beautiful, her wings.
~I pause, summer to my cheek, to soak for just a moment
in this delicious reverie.
It’s been big
and good
and far too much for words.
I smile at the horizon
all wiggly with the next waves to ride,
the swells of the coming season already
splashing the air
with the scent of apple peel
and back-to-school size snicker bars
and I uncup my hands
and watch as summer flutters into the late afternoon glow
and sing out my thanks
for the beautiful wonder
that it was.
you know summer is not my favorite season, but you have painted the most inviting portrait of summer and makes me think i wish it away too fast.
i love how you squeeze every drop of life out of your moments.
much love to you dear Jen
Your muffin baking daughter is beautiful! So are you! I love your poetry and bright colors. Enjoy these final summer days, Jennifer….and THANK YOU for finding a way to leave comments again on my Blog!!! Woo hoo!
I so love summer and you have captured the part of it that I love most … the end of summer days!
Beautiful poetic words!!
what a beautiful daughter ..tender post as so often the ones with wings can be .. you engage me with both your words and photos ..sending you thoughts across a summer breeze , as always so happy to be resting in one of your summer moments
You have expressed exactly how I feel about summer and when it’s time for it to go……I have always loved the summer because it meant more time with the kids, everything was relaxed and casual, and lots of fun time…..Your words are what’s in my heart so thank you for expressing them….You do have a way with words girlfriend…
Your daughter is beautiful and obviously a good cook or baker maybe both…..
Hugs and blessings sweet girl,
Nancy
You have a way with words as they always seem to reflect your photos perfectly.
these photos are breathtaking!!!
& your daughter is BEAUTIFUL.
dear friend, you rode your first
rollarcoaster?!! i sense this may
not be the only first, the only
reawakening… you are so clearly
riding this ride of life with your
arms in the air; of summer, of
purple, of alive.
xox
So very beautiful…in every way!
I love summer, but this one was way TOO HOT!!
Summer isn’t my favourite season either — I’m a fall/winter/spring without the heat and bugs kinda gal.
But your summer…
I could devour your summer.
Revel in its bright sparkly colours,
Savour every drop of sweetness you share.
Fabulous photos.
Fabulous verse.
Fabulous summer!
You weave your words and spill out the richness of life’s amazing moments. whether you know it or not, you live an ‘inspired’ life. Not an easy one, but a rich, vibrant inspired one and I love how you let it flow over us with your words and images.
And your daughter does indeed have beautiful wings.
Your words and photographs are capturing perfectly the essence of Summer. I can feel it’s deliciousness dripping don my chin 😉
Thank you, Jennifer
I meant down my chin, sorry for the typo
With words and photos like these, I am carried into a world of delight. You share summer’s bounty well.
thanks for linking up!! 🙂
Your words make my heart hurt. As I read, I exclaim “yes” and “yes” again, as you capture the beauty of the season (my favorite) so perfectly.
You reminded me of so many bits of summer that I didn’t get to experience this year – but through your words I could relive their memories and hope for a chance at them next summer. (Although I do still have a weekend at the beach to look forward to, hallelujah!) Good luck to your daughter in grad school!
As always, beautiful words to go with the great pictures. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
This is so beautiful!! What an inspiring and true description of summer. I – too – am clinging to it tightly..not wanting to let it go!
summer on your cheek sounds better that summer sweat on my brow. Great butterfly pic.
Jennifer, what a poetic soul you are. I pray and hope that all your heart’s desires are fulfill as this season morphs into another season. Blessings. JB
Mmmmmm…local artisan bakery sweets from you daughter’s hand!! She is beautiful by the way Jen!
Your words in the post and the beautiful photography (you must have a digital with a zoom?) said it all so well. I’m feeling the joy that the beauty of last days of summer are bringing also. Just this morning on my walk at the local state forest, I was lifted in spirit with God’s beautiful and quiet creation all around me. At the end of summer there does seem to be a special peacefulness even in the trees!
So glad you had such a wonderful time with cousins, and your family Jen.
Big Hugs dear friend,
Lee Ann
Oh, yes! I ‘m holding it gently, too, hoping to nurse it along, keep its warmth through trying times, through the lovely but chilling fall and then the cold winter to come. What wonderful photos you share with us. Simply beautiful and so very reflective.
I’m so glad I dropped by on this fine summer day.
Whenever I begin to I miss these warm summer days,
I’ll sneak over to your blog and feel refreshed again, and again, and again.
Thank you so much for finding me again and how we lost touch is beyond me since I do love your site.
Todays post is especially beautiful with your daughter and words that make me wish I had enjoyed my summer more instead of fussing about the temps being three digets.
Lets keep in touch. I am going to start having my blogazine guest post again why don’t you do one of those so everyone can meet you
Love
Maggie
Hugs to you dear one.
i’ve actually handcuffed summer and locked her up so she can’t leave 🙂
Hiya, Jennifer–Your poetry is delicious; it brings back the very best of summers, complete with “ebullient doggie joy”. Thanks!
Hi Jenn- Love the orange flower bursting. Hope to squeeze some more of summer. The pics of your daughter remind me of you so much. Like you, she is beautiful. Thanks for your beautiful words and color coordinated images stimulated with summer sensations.