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The porch swing hangs fixed in a morning sun

that bleaches its gray slats, its flowered cushion

whose flowers have faded, like those of summer,

and a small brown spider has hung out her web

on a line between porch post and chain

so that no one may swing without breaking it.

~ Ted Kooser, “Porch Swing in September”

 

Here and there, leaves drift to earth on whispers, and dusky-brown crickets take up a steady chorus as they secretly plot to sneak inside unsuspecting homes. It feels like an early fall coming, Dear Reader. 

Squirrels collect nuts in between playing acrobat overhead, scampering up, down tree trunks full-speed. Lazy September mornings softly float to life. A dog yip-yips across the street, on time. Children walk by with parents in tow, heading to school, their voices fading down the sidewalk. I find myself backing up to the day, in tune with the sunrise, digging out the pink fuzzy robe once again. 

Porch swings sway in apple-scented mountain breezes, longing for velvet summer evenings as the quiet spider spins her lace, an artist at work. Time slows, pauses to look back and remember, to wish for a little bit longer. 

 

• Saluda Community Land Trust’s next Walk in the Woods is September 15 to the Over Mountain Trail. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m.; for information, contact the SCLT office at (828) 749-1560 or email info@saludaclt.org
• At Saluda Center: On September 18 at 10 a.m., SLIP (Saluda Living in Place) will have an education seminar featuring Cliff Marr, Director of Polk County Board of Elections and the lengths his office goes to ensure the security of all votes and voters in Polk County. For information on this or any SLIP programs, call 864-823-7756 or visit www.slipnc.org  
• Want to learn about the Saluda Grade and Ecusta rails-to-trails projects? On September 18 at Saluda Center, 2-3 p.m., Pam Torlina, Conserving Carolina’s Community Engagement Director, will answer questions and discuss projects that will boost conservation and recreation right here in Saluda. 
• Saluda Pantry is holding its first annual fundraiser to address food insecurity in our community on September 19 at Saluda Inn. The event will feature local foods, live and silent auctions, and more. Tickets are available at saludapantry.com, Heartwood Gallery, or 10-1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Pantry.
• Saluda Library has Holly Wilkes’ fiber art on display; a reception with light refreshments will be held on September 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. 
• Saluda Train Tales at Saluda Historic Depot and Museum on September 20, 7 p.m., features Ray Rapp discussing “Real Prospects for Restoring Passenger Rail Service to WNC.” 

 

Happy September Birthday to Wayne Thompson, Courtney Hoots, Merci Weitzen, Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake, Jason Justus, Beth Carson, Clark Thompson, Nicholas Edwards, Cindy Tuttle, Don Clapp, Nancy Pew, Marc Blazar, M.J. Parsons, Gina Burnett, Melanie Talbot, Jesse Wharton, and Maureen Mitchell. 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook, or visit bonniebardos.com