leave-taking

packing up the harvest in a cooler,

stripping the beds and collecting towels,

sweeping and tidying.

closing up.

there have been so many really good visits up here

at our "bit of earth" this summer...

folks we don't see often enough,

beloved family and old and new friends.

fine memories have been spun.

and i've enjoyed the gift of solitude, too.

time to read, dream, garden and reacquaint myself with myself.

my batteries have been recharged.

it's time to drive south, back to the "real"world.

life there will be filled with new challenges, aspirations and

hard work to do.

having this oasis to drink from every now and then will

balance us as we navigate the "to do"lists in CT.

but still, as i drive out the driveway, past the stand of birches,

and take one last glance across our meadow at our

mountain view, my throat will tighten 

and my eyes will tear and i'll take a few deep,

cleansing breathes and smile,

because i have a vision of what the future holds.

and it is powerful.