Unending Summers

Written after seeing a teenage girl that reminded me of myself on the first day of summer vacation.

UNENDING SUMMERS

On this warm summer evening
I walk along the grey and broken pavement
under a grey and heavy sky.
My sandals skip across a cool puddle
left behind on this dreary day
Not at all like a typical summer evening...
Not at all like the ones you remember forever.

Do you remember the sun descending
and the taste of freedom sweet on your lips?
Nowhere you had to be,
except where you longed to be...
And now, don't you long to be free?
Like you were in those unending summers.

Do you remember the anticipation...
excitement spreading through you?
Like light filling a dark room.
Illuminating the possibilities of a brand new day.
Your eyes would open slowly.
No need to rush or hurry...
And no need to worry.
You were safe in the arms
of those unending summers.

Tonight while I walk on this dreary night,
I see a teenage girl on the sidewalk.
She holds herself cautiously...a little unsure.
But still, so pure.
Such innocence in the way she is standing.
What is she thinking and dreaming while
enjoying her unending summer?
Now, it is her turn.
What memories will she make and hold forever?

She gives me a smile through the rain.
and with surprise I recognize her face,
and the arms she wraps around herself.
I know the hair tumbling down over the curve of her shoulders.
And I know her heart.
And now I know
that when she looks back on this day,
she will only remember the sun.

So young, and so carefree.
She was me.