An Innocent Summer

An unyielding ray of sunshine slapping the cheekbone, 
How delightful.

The swaying palm tree branches up above
Like contemporary dancers 
moved by wind that seemed
Never able to lift my kite. 
Instead the flat plastic dragged on 
Along the rugged asphalt 
As a lazy dog being yanked by its leash 

 

The freshly squeezed orange 
Juice, exciting to make, to drink
That a lemon sneaked its way into

Sip at it anyway.

From the tips of the fingers 
To the elbows
The stickiness 
The tart, sour, sweetness 
Collected by squishing 
Down the rind
And watching
The pulp plop on the 
Clever device, that was, 
Of course, 
Specifically made to catch it.

 

The heat of the skin 
Emanating like an ember 
Because of the wildfire within.
The heart beats steady 
Each tiny chamber, 
Absorbed the rhythm 
Of the red rubber ball bouncing 
On the chalked cement. 

 

Reaching for a popsicle 
That turns out to be a
Slush.
Because of the thrill
Sweet blue alien blood,
Awaiting in 
Evil packaging 
That tore the sides of lips as
It was ripped open.

 
Let's go take a nap. 

 

This poem is about: 
Me
My community
Our world

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