Solar Eclipse Poem by Bill Upton

Here's that day again. Same one.
Each year it represents closure,
Even though it flashes that sunshine smile,
Bear hugs us with westerly winds.
There is no holiday 'title' on its business card;
There are no Hallmark ' moments' or special privileges.
It simply stands courageously-alone-
The last warm, sunny day of summer.
It still represents the magical day 40 years ago
That gave 20 shirtless softball playing college boys
An unexpected 75 degree middle of January sunburn,
And a day that each of them can recall 40 years later
As one of the great days.
It is the one day with the guts to stand up and seek
Postponement of the gray skies and cold shivers
Which cause such severe attitudinal decline
Within the beach boy's heart that is in each of us.
It is mercy day.
This is Mother Nature hanging on,
Battling to the end against environmental inevitability-
Spitting in the face of the upcoming season
With every ounce of persuasion and resolve
To hold serve just a bit longer.

Today the sun feels more intense.
Maybe it's the knowledge of imminent separation
That the sky is cloudless, wall-to-wall blue.
Just a subtle hint of breeze reluctantly blowing away
The remnants of magnificent artistry.
The innocence, the sweetness, the absolute
Enhancement of life,
The renewal of the unbeatable spirit
All rest on this perfect Currier and Ives summer canvas...
Waiting.

We hold so tightly to days, to moments like these
Because they represent the life in our blood.
They are what we most cherish-
Our youth,
The freedoms we have found,
The game changing memories we hold dear,
The crazy love we have shared,
The greatest happiness of life.
All of these were created and nourished by summers past.
Alas, with heaviness of heart,
Today is the involuntary emotional surrender to the season.
This is, at last, the kiss good night...
Sadly,

This is the long goodbye.