End of the Season

Each and every year it happens.
Once, twice, and a third time for good measure.
October 16th, May 1st, May 7th

Always, it arrives too soon.
And, suddenly!
Always, it is accompanied by the pain and remorse of defeat.

Leaving me with emptiness and some time on my hands.
(And way too much year-end paperwork)
I use that time for memories, for self-motivating, for planning

While I await the dates that always arrive too slowly
(August 22nd, January 23rd, February 13th)

When Practices begin anew.