Shhhh...

Soon comes the window-closing time. Down with the sashes that have stayed open all summer. Out with the screens, in with the storms. Caulking putty in all the cracks, one by one, sealing out both cold and sound. Goodbye, screams and squeals of backyard children. Goodbye, strains of neighbor's cheesy accordion. Goodbye, chirps of late-migrating songbirds and caws of early-roosting crows. Goodbye, rustle of morning-glory vines and woosh of wind in the maple leaves. Goodbye, patter of rain on the deck and thrump of rain on the overturned kayak's hull. Goodbye, bang of the kitchen screen door. Goodbye, skrattle of squirrels on the stockade fence. Soon comes the silent season. In spring I will hear you all again, and you will deafen me.