SUMMER'S END by Judith Viorst

One by one the petals drop
There's nothing that can make
                              them stop.
You cannot beg a rose to stay.
Why does it have to be that way?






The butterflies I used to chase
Have gone off to some other place.
I don't know where. I only know
I wish they didn't have to go.




And all the shiny afternoons
So full of birds and big balloons
And ice cream melting in the sun
                                    Are done.
I do not want them done