Leaving the Island

{Farewell, Islesford}






As the last of the lupines dropped their blossoms and the haze of Queen Anne's lace began its slow and lovely tatting across the island meadows, we said goodbye to Islesford. Sheets were washed, folded. Walks were long, savored. We drew out the goodbyeing as long as possible.






The house was cleaned. Summer treasures stowed away in pine cupboards or given back to the sea. Into the cupboard with the jar of sea glass. Over the seawall with the collection of beach stones, mussel shells, periwinkles. Over the seawall with the waning arrangements of wildflowers with animal names: oxeye daisy, foxglove, harebell, hawkweed, toadflax.





One last lobster roll. One last swim in the frigid harbor. One last dark and stormy, trimmed with a jaunty sprig of mint from the garden.

Then onto the boat with the dogs, the tattered L.L. Bean bags stuffed with boots and fleeces, the tan legs, the bellies full of popovers from Jordan Pond.  Away from the island and the island perfume of rosa rugosa, woodsmoke and balsam. Back to the mainland, to prepare for our next chapter. Farewell, Maine. Farewell, little island community we love so well. Until next year.