Still weary from a tough year as summer descends,
heat like a presence, like an old friend, sun saturating
these days that stretch out long as afternoon shadows,

and evening rolling in gentle, almost reluctant
to disturb. The sky draws out every last bright note
of sunset, a performer who can’t resist

an encore, and even our depleted hearts
can sense the hope summer brings, the energy
flooding in on the wings of birdsong, the murmur

of insects in the grass. And the flush of green permeating
everything gives a sense, like a promise, that life is stronger
even than our grief.