MY FINAL ONE LAST GOOD-BYE

With Labor Day passed, 
a northern breeze cools the air, 
with a whisper reminding 
foliage to transform themselves, 
into their varying autumn hues. 

The forest stirred with movement, 
as if the whisper reminded animals, 
start preparing and gathering 
for the cold winter ahead, 
coming sooner 
than later.

The trees replied, 
with many turning golden, 
some oranges and a few red, 
all the while white caps formed 
on the small waves of the lake 
as if they, too answered 
the wind’s whisper.

Animals of all colors and sizes, 
mindful of the whisper’s message, 
began to make arrangements.

Squirrels and racoons scurried, 
    collecting for their winter reserves, 
bears began eating their last big feast     
    before taking in for their long winter’s nap, 
geese prepared to take their long flight, 
    to their southern winter homes, 
while deer, moose and others took a gamble, 
    of not worrying about their tomorrows.

Yet, all dealt only with the stresses 
of just getting by today.

Cottagers answered, 
Mother Nature’s subtle call, 
much like their wildlife counterparts.

They begin closing their summer residences, 
    more of a winter’s slumber, than a winter’s hibernation.  
Packing the portable cooler with perishables, 
     for enjoyment in their winter home;  
placing winter dust skirts on the beds, 
     guaranteeing fresh linens underneath, 
washing one last round of dishes,     
     patiently waiting for return of festivities; 
rounding up the last collection of trash,     
    avoiding collection of rancid scents; 
storing away outdoor furniture and fixtures, 
     preserving their use for next season; 
putting away bird feeders, 
    once the last bird had its last season’s fill; 
boats pulled out of their water’s home, 
    leaving them on their trailer and covered; 
water pumps and plumbing pipes drained, 
    draining water, leaving basins and pipes dry; 
switching of the electric at the master breaker;     
     cutting the last life of the summer residence,

once done, 
then saying, 
one final good-bye to summer friends, 
even when one more, 
becomes more than just one good-bye.

With October’s second Monday near,
one more autumn holiday, 
celebrated in unison 
by both nations,
when again, 
the winds whisper, 
a firm reminder, 
to one and all, 
finalize preparations, 
for the winter’s season of 
shorter days and longer months, 
awaiting just around the corner.

Knowing there will be at least one, 
maybe more, one day visits 
checking in on the hibernating home, 
but until then, 
a final check, 
of last minute items 
with a double check off, 
the season’s end master to-do list, 
before the door is locked for the season, 
for one last time as if saying good-bye 
to another lifelong friend. 

Summer’s long gone, 
when autumn bids farewell, 
while winter’s bitter, 
blustery freezing gusts, 
reminding all, who is truly in charge, 
by leaving more than a dusting of snow, 
and a layer of ice with each squall's scream.

With each visit,
the caretakers’ pilgrimage, 
treading softly, as to not awaken, 
those choosing a winter’s deep sleep. 
Waddling through knee-deep snow, 
carefully crossing the fragile ice laden lake, 
with hopes it doesn’t shatter beneath them.

As seen in the not so close distance, 
with just minutes, before day’s light yields 
to swiftly approaching darkness of the day’s end, 
they eventually arrive, unlocking the door. 
Entering, they’re greeted by the darkness inside 
and hollowing winds bellowing through the rafters. 
A cold, dark, shadow is within their grasp, 
suddenly, a deep vacated voice, 
angered by being stirred 
and awoken too soon 
from hibernation. 

The caretaker comforts, 
gently igniting the fireplace, 
putting on the first pot of coffee, 
as light, warmth and comforts 
conquering the cold darkness, 
hearing an unspoken apology. 
Building a bond, rekindled peace 
by hushing winter’s once rage, 
with each arriving friend, 
resolving another 
voided space.

Where echoes of 
winter’s silence gathered, 
I watch the snow settle, 
like memories, holding its breath, 
beneath the thick sheet of ice. 
waiting to shatter and be told, 
as we once again gathered 
not just to warm the hearth, 
but to tend the flame of years past.

For each echoing laugh 
and silent tears shed, 
we inherit the season’s quiet vow, 
to return, to relive, to remember, 
and to keep the soul of summer alive, 
even in the winter’s longest night.

It’s then we are reminded, 
the value of lifelong friendships 
who, over decades of friendship 
became nothing less than family.

Bringing warmth, 
on the coldest winter days 
and 
cooling comforts, 
on the hottest summer days by 
sharing stories of cherished memories, 
and then telling tales of years past.

The hands of time 
keep moving forward, 
knowing there will be the day,
I am left to hand over the keys, 
to the next caretakers, 
with no turning back time 
except in my memory. 
Within their time, 
they will come 
together 
to tell tales, 
to share stories 
and make memories, 
and call it their very own, 
even when I know another 
summer is just around the corner, 
even after my final one last good-bye.