To the days when I was ten years old
I see the heat rising in waves
From the black top that feels as if
It will melt my flip flops.
The sun burns my skin
And I am red and freckled
My hair is bleached blonder
From sun and salt water
It feels too hot on my head.
I drink a lot of water
But it's lukewarm now
And doesn't refresh my throat.
We walk to the family car
The seats are very hot,
The vinyl upholstery
Is not comfortable
Even through covered
By my old, beach towel.
The inside of the car is stifling
Even with all the windows open
And air rushing in as we drive away
From the beach.
I want to stay and swim more
But I know it's time
We must go home for dinner
And a rinse off with the hose.
Later, as cicadas chirp
And darkness comes
I will go to bed but will not sleep
Because the upstairs bedroom
In Grandma's house where we live
Is as hot as noontime
With no breeze
And my skin is hot with sunburn.
I will not sleep easily, or well.
~KBW,June 1, 2011
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