12 Seconds

Twelve seconds ago it was summer.

Everything was lush and verdant and in bloom.

The tomatoes were ripe.

Yum.

And the flowers were busting out . . .

See?

Our morning glory was fabulous.

And the basil?

Killer.

And then, just like that, 12 seconds later, it was over.

And all that dirt from all those pots got thrown into the compost heap like yesterday's news.

That basil pot -- Bill's birthday present from Jennie -- was tenacious. It was not ready to let go.

And now the steps are empty.

And the tomato cages are stacked up.

Twelve seconds later, it's all over.

Maybe winter will go by in 12 seconds, too.