Saying Goodbye

The grapes have checked out.

The zinnias are on their last lap.

The beans don't have a clue about what's coming...

But I do. And even though the light splashes over the leaves around me like they were lit from within, even though the reds and golds and tawny browns paper my world...I can't help feeling the loss of the "stay outside" season with somewhat of a dry, closed throat.

And I am not alone. This morning, the sign was crying.