Last Night of Summer

As I sit here and wait for Sarah Palin to speak, I'm quietly anticipating tomorrow- the first day of school.

It's a parent's delight.

A kid's demise.



The beaches are empty. The last couple days in our town were spent frantically catching up with friends, gathering supplies, and finding pants to fit bodies grown so long in the summer heat.

Tomorrow, we'll all wake up early, rub sleep from our eyes accustomed to opening then closing again, and stumble down the stairs. Hot coffee, cold milk and bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon. Lunches made, backpacks stuffed, we will begin another year of school.

I can't wait.

It's a new year for me. I have thought long and hard about my book, my work and my world. I'm ready to make a few changes. I'm ready to have the quiet morning to myself again.

The solstice comes mid September, but for my family, summer ends tonight.