Before I Say “Good Night”
Virginia Salter

lovely warmth radiates
in through my patio door
casting summer’s starlight
from Sol upon the floor

Cat Ballou stretches out
to soak up all the rays
and me, I bask, too, in its light,
while I grip the summer days

through the kitchen window
comes a breeze that’s filled with chill
inkling that our summer’s ending
my thoughts of joy to kill

letting go of many things
I find so hard to do
always wanting just a bit more
before I bid adieu

a clinging vine is what I be
it really must be so
for like a child that’s faced with bed
I just don’t want to go

for what if I should retire
just before my dreams come true
what if because I faded away
I missed my time with you

just one more day, just one more hour,
perhaps a minute will be just right
to gather all life has for me
before I say “Good night.”

© August 18. 2000