Summer is flying by. I realize the brevity of the season as the temperature dropped to an autumn coolness last night, calling for a sweater on an evening walk.
I also realized that it is just over a month since our street lost a good neighbour.
Annie actually lived on the opposite end of our crescent. Although she lived quite a few houses away, our paths crossed each year at an annual late summer/fall barbecue, hosted by a couple of our mutual neighbours. During the ensuing months, we would meet by chance at the local food store or mall, exchange a smile, a quick hello. Sometimes, we would wave to each other as we passed by our homes, driving or walking. We did, in fact, wave to each other as I drove past Annie’s place, just a few weeks ago.
A handful of days later, Annie died. Seeing her obituary in the daily paper was a shock and it has taken some weeks to process this loss to her family and our community.
In her memory , I wrote this haiku and made a little memory book.
Haiku for a Neighbour
I waved to Annie
sitting in shade on her porch
Who knew ’twas the last?
© 2013 Patricia A. McGoldrick
R.I.P
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