The Summer That Lingers

Summer does not disappear all at once.

Even as August moves toward its end, the afternoon sun still feels strong. Cicadas continue their familiar song from the trees, and the warmth of the day settles quietly over streets, gardens, and rooftops.

For a while, it seems that nothing has changed.

The sky is still deeply blue. Green leaves remain bright beneath the sunlight. A cold drink still feels welcome after stepping outside.

Summer is still here.

And yet, somewhere in the day, something begins to feel different.

Perhaps the evening arrives a little earlier.

Perhaps a breeze feels softer than it did only a few weeks ago.

Or perhaps it is simply the feeling that these long summer days will not last forever.

Late summer carries a beauty of its own.

It is not quite the excitement of early summer, when the season seems full of possibilities. Nor is it autumn, with its cooler air and changing colors.

It is something in between.

A season lingering for just a little longer.

No need to hurry it away.

The cicadas can keep singing.

The sunlight can remain warm.

The trees can stay green.

Soon enough, another season will begin to make itself known.

But for now, summer is still here.

And perhaps knowing that it will not last is what makes these final days feel a little more precious.

If you missed the previous article, you can read After the Festival Ends.