As Autumn Approaches

As Autumn approaches and the cool air blows in, I

Break down the boxes my sweaters lived in

Collages on my wall show the people I've been

Days get shorter as school season begins.

Every person I don't know gather in class

Football is on when we get home from mass

Gazing outside we watch as the green drains out of the grass

Have fun, be present, but this too shall pass.

Icebreaker after icebreaker; I list off the states

Just don't forget the assignments, names, and dates

Kind, charismatic, quiet, funny, tall; I label each person by a list of traits.

Lingering feelings; misplaced, obscure, confusing; late.

My new world starts coming together and everything slows down

Navigating what streets lead home and downtown

October approaches, the final summer sundown

Pumpkin decorated porches, cheers with every touchdown.

Quietly the world starts to rest

Relatives book their flights and come home, east or west

Soups start to broil and a turkey is way overdressed

Thoughts turn to how grateful we are to ever be so blest.

Until the next time everyone gathers again

Vacancy finds family in some of my new friends

Was it what I imagined when I worried back then

X's on the calendar tie the loose ends.

You never know how the summer will end. but the time will

Zip past; 'till it's summer again.

There are a few times in life that bring specific nostalgia: Christmas, birthdays, the first snowfall, and hot summer days. In my experience, there are also times in life that bring me specific MilKid nostalgia, specifically the fall season. To me, this season has the been the 'calm' after PCS season, a new school year starting, football, cooler weather, and a weird mix of anxiety for change and calm in the turning season. As the season has been steadily approaching, I've hoped to find a way to convey this feeling and connect with others who feel this.