Summer Solstice

What does it mean to me, the longest day?
Another minute basking in the sun.
A bit more time to master what to say,
a chance to finish more of what needs done.

Split second, and the hourglass is flipped.
The deities resume their ancient match,
their victories impermanent -- the script
does not allow it, so they start from scratch.

The night absorbs the few remaining embers
proclaiming, as they do, their last hurrahs,
but it is not concerned. No, it remembers
that this is no defeat, no coup de grace.

The summer is succeeded by the fall.
And in the end, it's night that conquers all.