The leaves have been raked

They fell abundantly this year,


When you were young you would run around


and jump in the piles as we raked.



The lawn furniture has been cleaned,


and carefully stowed away,


Your favorite lawn chair cushion has been stored.


Your favorite blanket lies with you

.

The bird feeders have been cleaned
.

The thistle seed is out.


No squirrels yet!


Without you, however, they will likely be much more brave.



The almost last of the vegetables have been picked


The vegetable plot and your favorite sweet peas


still need to be covered
.

We put you next to the sweet peas,

they were always your favorite.



With all this activity


We both still find ourselves turning to look


expecting to see you lying basking on the grass in the sun
.

Lifting your head,

and then laying it back down before napping again.