Too Soon Gone

But we always know what's coming...

 

Autumn comes quickly to my Alaska.

 

Too quickly it seems at this stage of my life.

 

It's a pleasant season to be sure. It invites cautious engagement.

 

One steps out into air so cool it reminds you of your breathing.

There's a pungent scent of over-ripe currants, blueberries, and forest moss that will soon be deep-buried in snow and forgotten for a time.

Leaves lie retired on grass that has stopped growing.

For both, their intense work is finished.

They have fought the good fight and now they may take their rest.

 

The bare stalks of fireweed still stand tall as sentinels of what is to come.

We do know what's coming, yes.

 

But this…today… is stunning.

 

Canadian Geese fly high overhead, southward, faintly honking encouragement to the leader.

The early morning call of Loons across mist-shrouded lakes has fallen silent.

As has the pleasant chatter of Robins and myriad other birds that filled the summer with ambience.

 

Only the Ravens will remain to heckle the Bald Eagles.

That is their place in life after all.

They must wonder at what might have been.

 

Gone too are tourists who came to fish for King Salmon or Halibut

that no one back home believed could be so large.

 

Tundra Swans gather en mass in the few remaining unfrozen marshes.

They dance and cackle and reaffirm to their life-long mates

that they will remain at the other's side, come what may.

 

Watching them, so committed, reminds me of One I have grown to know

after so many Autumns.

 

The first snow sweeps upon us in the night.

Tires click and drum the pavement in predictable rhythm.

Their steel studs grip the ice like viscous glue that never quite sets.

And small bottles of Advil are made ready to complement snow shovels, warm boots, and gloves.

 

My soul is calmed by this short time of transition.

It was a good summer I think.

But when did it end?

 

Autumn in my Alaska...

too soon gone.

 

Reviews

[Donald Meikle]

I loved Alaska. Adak with that tiny forest planted in a circle almost three feet high. As I recall there were nine of them rooted stubbornly in tundra. The salmon were fantastic (We swapped for pineapples) and those navy cooks made the best, the very best, ice cream I had ever tasted. I was in Hawaii the day it became a state, and Alaska too, before I chose the citizenship I'd earned. You're in a peaceful piece of heaven AK
And thanks for the feeling

[TL Boehm]

ok, I had to come looking for you. I had a panicky moment - thinking perhaps you had disappeared...but here you are. This writing is bliss, you know. Autumn is my favorite time of year...even here in the desert. This is a stellar write

[J]

Oh yes ......... still. again, shivers run up my spine ...... maybe soon, mon ami! maybe soon. ;-)

[Jamie S.]

Youve left me wishing your beautiful state were only a hop, skip and jump away. I envy your scenery but youve given me alot to picture even if its only a glimpse in my mind. Thank you! You have perfected showing instead of telling, and I'm learning that is not an easy task.

[Nick Erickson]

You've captured the beauty of Alaska within your poem, bringing up an old, nagging desire to return once again...

Very well done.

[J.P. Bristow]

Jill takes the words from the stars and writes reviews that leave me breathless.....as did this write...so vivid and laced with everyday magic.

[Emily B]

Thank you once again for sharing your Alaska. For some of us, that place where we live is more than the place where we live. This was stunningly beautiful if a little bittersweet at the loss of summer. I'm glad I found these words here tonight.

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It's always summer in Florida :)

An exquisite display of the world you inhabit. The imagery is picturesque and flows quite nicely. I, too, liked your line about the Ravens . . . those pesky birds . . . smiles . . .

Having been raised in the NW, I really miss this time of year. The fall colors, the smells, the crispness in the air.

A beautiful write, from a very gifted writer. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all.

[J. Hampton]

I always wanted to visit Alaska....I hear tale...from so many it is beautiful.

this shares the ebb n' flow of the long laskan winter and summer
and all that comes with that.
You have a keen pen for capturing nature so very...very well.

Blesssssssssss

[Maureen]

I've been to Alaska and I was taken with it the moment I laid eyes on her raw beauty. I can see why you choose her as your muse. :D Great word choice!