I miss the lively nights

sparkling with fireflies

while the frogs sing –

our mountain owl

has fled the desert

for cooler climes

and darker skies –

the coyotes slumber

refusing the music of their haunting choir

in favor of the shade

of darkened dens tucked far away –

I miss the lively nights

though I know

even now

the frogs are singing

beyond my ears

beyond my reach

in a world of mild summers

and cool evenings – Caroline A. Slee