stealing summer

Maybe it's because of an unseasonably cool August.

Or because we've officially started our school year.

Or because these simple evenings with long shadows and Daddy around are mostly come to an end.

All I know is, tonight felt like we were stealing summer.

I soaked it in: smells, colors, sounds.

This man, manning his manly station.

A table, laden with foods of the season.

A bleach-blonde boy, grinning across at me.

I love fall.
I love routine.
I love teaching my children.
I love candles.
I love afghans.

But I have also loved this summer.