Analysis of December Summer Days

December Summer Days

She escaped winter’s grip for the sand and the sun.
The long awaited vacation had finally begun.
She opened the cottage to the salt sea air
And breathed it in deeply as it ruffled her hair.
A perfect day for the hammock, a book and a beer,
Waiting for tomorrow when he’d join her here
At the little cottage, their island get-away,
Where they spent their December summer days.

No work was allowed, no phones, no TV,
They promised each other “Just you and me.”
They ate too much, they walked the beach;
And counted at night the stars they could reach.
They read to each other and sang out of tune.
They filled up the days that ended too soon.
They laughed, they loved, held hands, and they played
And cherished their warm December summer days.

All too quickly it passed and then it was done.
The time melted away like snow in the sun.
Back to work, and back to the stress and the strife;
The endless details of their regular life.
Spring seemed to be closer and soon within reach
After the idyllic days they spent at the beach.
And in the New Year come what may
Were memories of their December summer days.

“Here you go, Honey, here’s your favorite view.
I’ll be back in a bit to check on you.
All the snow is pretty, but it’s sure cold out there,”
The nurse chatted on as she set the wheelchair.
“Winter’s so drab I look forward to spring.
Are you warm enough, do you need anything?
I’ll come and get you for lunch, it won’t be too long.”
A pat on the shoulder and the nurse was gone.

The old woman smiled and let out a sigh,
Tilted her head back and half closed her eyes.
She gazed out the window and saw it once more,
The sun glints off the water, the waves kissing the shore.
She smelled the salt air, the breeze ruffled her hair;
She felt the same peace she always felt there.
She knew he’d be waiting and this time they’d stay
At their seaside cottage in December summer days.

She escaped winter’s grip for the sand and the sun…

Roberta Adams
12-8-2015