You were Summer

Like cotton candy melting away

on our tongues,

and the smell of orange peels;

like the smooth shells

that lined the beach,

and lemonade;

like the carpet of dogwood petals

coating the garden,

and sun showers,

you were summer.

But summer days fade

as the seasons change,

and the night finds its way

home.

And as the shadows of autumn

settle in,

I watch as the candle

that once burned bright

begins to flicker,

threatened by the passing

of chilly breezes.

I know the flame will only live

for so long,

before it vanishes

into the cold darkness,

leaving nothing

but a spiraling trail of smoke

as I shiver,

praying for the warmth

of those summer nights.