The Snowbirds

Waking one day I find silence abounds I cannot find any people around! The day before many neighbors were here Living side-by-side without aging fear. Living in a condo, the current rage Sunshine warming bones as they age Buildings rising four floors from below We audit our strength, its ebb and its flow Signs of our presence? Our welcome mat Silently greet friends, who will chat Hailing each other, we talk back and forth Now, I realize with shock! They’ve gone back north! Who will return to recite their news? And, who will return to share new views? Our lives are fragile as our systems slow Some don’t return with their bright, “hello!” I will remain here await their return Continue to mellow, as patience I learn Perhaps in October their mats re-appear Announcing return from places not near.