Dear July,

Not quite gone

still here

in and out

you have been

with your summer colors

your coat of greens

yellows and orange

reds

and yes 
even lovely gray

a good thing

and yet

I have cursed your

early morning mists

as I have loved your

night's chill

We have yet

to make friends

and clasp our hands

together 

in celebration of summer

I wonder if you

will fulfill your promise

of years gone by

I guess it doesn't matter

I have all of

the Yesterdays

of your loveliness

your goodness

and bounty
and that should be

enough to keep me

through the days

and dark nights to come

We have been good friends

you and I July

it just seems a little

different this year

but then

I am not the same

from year to year

and why should you be
I look out and see
the chartreuse and red
that filters in
through the window 
as we eat
I wonder how 
I can fault you, July
you bring unexpected gifts
and teach me 
that it is a gift to be alive

And, I have your yesterdays
Dear July

best and with love, e.