End of summer

9 years ago

As August draws to a close, we must all bid farewell to another summer. Many barbecues were had, bikinis worn, ATV trails cruised down, and sunny days relished. The warm, bright days of summer are ticking away, leading us into the shorter, darker, cooler days of autumn.

And we all know what’s coming toward us at an alarming rate: Back to School Season. Yes, the walls of Wal-Mart are already bedecked with backpacks, folders, pens, pencils, and anything that students of all ages could ever need. I’m sure many a young heart dropped at seeing these displays.

Oh yes children! Your time of sun, fun, and freedom is nearly over. But the Back to School Season marks changes for adults, too. Parents everywhere get a bit of relief as their children get back to a more structured day.

Once school begins again, we see the summer weather slowly melt away into the crisp, fragrant days of fall. Although we’ll have to start wearing our sweaters and socks again, we are compensated by the brilliant colors that the landscape of Maine provides for us. Not to mention the fact that autumn is the season for all things pumpkin spiced.That’s certainly a perk! Well, until you get sick of it and hope you never see a pumpkin spiced anything for the rest of your life.

As with all things in life, there are beginnings and endings. Ups and downs. Pros and cons. So be sure to get outside and enjoy this summer weather while you still can. Go for a walk in the park, take a dip in the lake, or just sit outside and feel that good ol’ Vitamin D soak into your system. Because these are the times you’ll be dreaming for when you’ve got to shovel your way out of your own house.

Let’s appreciate what we have while we have it! Don’t fret about what tomorrow might bring: find joy in today.

Risica Caputi is a Florida native currently living Littleton. She has a bachelor’s degree in literature, and her poetry has been published in online journals such as Vox Poetica and Red Fez. Risica works at Sammie’s Tattoo & Art Studio in Houlton.