Sparklers -

My summer began in September

I can pinpoint the day it arrived

When the apples turned easily loose in my hands or just fell to the ground

When the seasonal staff and the locals combine then the sparks start to fly

But the sparks never last

We worked morning shifts in the orchards

You bunked in the landowner’s barn

And despite early starts we’d throw alfresco parties than ran through the night

And with reckless regard for the trees all around we’d share sparklers

And the lights burned your name

In the lids of my eyes

It burned under my skin

But we both knew the deal

That you’ll follow the summer to wherever it lands

And just leave me behind

When the orchards run dry

Where the sparks never last

And for two months a year I’m in love with it all

But as quickly as summer arrives then it’s all gone, sweeping everyone up

Almost everyone up

Us locals stay put while the seasonals move to another more seasonal town

And if I keep my head down well they might keep me on through the winter

As the students depart

To the next college term

As the winter draws in

Well, could we broker a deal?

And let’s follow the summer to wherever it lands

Just don’t leave me behind

In this seasonal decline

Where the sparks never last