The sounds of summer finally hit the country out west

With the Mountains painted blue in the background

We hide from the beating sun we craved for months

As we watch each dance and listen to every sound

The steamy heat torches the crackling tin roofs

Restless dogs howl in the middle of the night

Bodies lay on top of sheets, wearing nothing but sweat

Thinking of the beauty in every summer sight

When the sun rises the birds squawk and squeal

Then screech as they pull bark from huge trees

That creak and threaten to send mammoth branches

Crashing to the ground like elephants to their knees

Smaller feathered friends twitter and tap dance

Across a flat tin roof that has seen better days

Waking all who sleep below to a brand new dawn

Surrounded on all sides by the familiar summer haze

Mowers roar to life and break nature’s tranquility

Whipper snippers chime in to sing the chorus

Hoses and sprinklers work earlier in the day

While the ground remains at least a little porous

Soon a few backyard pools will come to life

In areas left with enough water to keep them viable

Excited cricket commentary will fill the airwaves

As cold drinks of all sorts and strengths keep us pliable

The middle of the day is so hot that quiet descends

While nature seeks a well earned break from the sun

Then evening comes without taking away the light

Just turning it pink until once more the day is done

© Bernard J Rossi