The Change of Seasons

Summer was very nice this year, as I have kept in contact with many good friends, and made some new ones along the way. I oftentimes wonder, as I am sure other folks do, just where did the summer go? Although I worked feverishly, I feel as if I did not accomplish enough. Yet, I have all the free time in the world.

Just where did the summer go? The days change so slowly, the sunrise and the sunset, and we do not realize it until the last minute. Perhaps we are trying to hang on to those warms days when everyone always has plans for their free time. The outdoors, boats and barbeques, fishing and swimming...

It started with one or two cool evenings (cooler than usual, which I presume everyone is realizing the change is upon us), which developed into every night. When I wander outside in the early morning and see the moon traveling along a clear, starry sky, the cold dew on the grass, the automobiles, I remind myself that change is inevitable.

I just did not get enough done. I did not get out enough.

As the Earth hurtles along at a thousand miles per hour, spinning silently through the icy darkness, September approaches; it is the time of year that always reminds me that fall is upon us, the children are back in school, and another year passes by for me.

Soon, I will pass my days wishing for spring to grace us, the time when all things emerge from their hibernation and turn their faces to the sun.

The years pass by so quickly now. Where did the time go?

The Storm - A Simple Observation

   I awoke this morning around 3:00, after a night of tossing and turning. I decided that I was up for the day. After going outside for a cigarette, I plopped down in front of my computer to watch something on Netflix while I fully woke up.
   A short while later, I was on the front stoop, smoking and watching the lightning irradiate randomly across an angry sky. I was actually pleased, for there has always been something about stormy weather that I loved. It felt soothing, and for others, frightening.
   While sitting at my computer, the lightning proceeded to announce itself. It was distant, muffled at first; it showed no sign other than a mild storm would make. By then it was raining, and given the time, it was still dark outside. I lit the candles on my desk, as the power has been interrupted several times in the past.
   Lightning course down from the heavens, illuminating the dark morning sky, and exploding like an atom bomb. I could actually feel the building tremble. Now, don't get the wrong idea about me - I like a good storm, but when it sounds and feels like bombs exploding, I become a little uncomfortable.
   For around fifteen minutes, I restrained from going outside to smoke. The bombardment continued, and then grew faint. The worst was passing. I dared going outside, and the rain was still pummeling the earth. I like the rain. It is as if it cleanses everything and leaves it sparkling - the grass, trees, and even the cars parked in front.
   As with the natural law, the clouds split apart to allow the sun to shine down, causing all to sparkle. The crows appeared from their hiding places in the large trees nearby, and on the wide expanse of lawn next to me, many of them walked or flew across the grass in search of worms and other delicious things that always appear after a good rain. A bird's instincts are always right.
   Well, as the morning progressed, the sky cleared up, and I was busying myself with several different pieces of literature. I had suddenly felt compelled to write this down, a simple observation.
   Michael Shorde