Every Summer Has to End

Every Summer Has to End

eShe laughed in gold,

barefoot on the quiet lane,

hair a tumble, voice like heat,

calling my name again

The dog chased shadows

under a sleepy sky

milk bottles on the doorstep

and not a reason why

Her lips were full of August,

the kind that dares to stay

but days don’t keep their promise

they fold and drift away

We danced beside the hedgerow,

thistles caught her dress

and though she never said it,

I knew she meant yes

summer runs on borrowed time

with pockets full of sand

the ice cream melts,

the fairground packs its band

I saw her once in autumn

just a flicker, just a flash

she smiled like I remembered,

then vanished in the ash

Now shutters close at evening,

and warmth becomes pretend

no matter how it holds you —

every summer has to end