Cooling Off
hot on our shoulders.
the air stands still,
heavy,
as it has for days.
we turn it on.
creak,
creak,
creak.
the handle groans.
the long serpent hose
comes to life.
soon
cool relief sprays
from small metal holes.
we jump up and down expectantly
waiting on the icy water
to come to our side.
spraying
to ease the heat.
finally
it turns toward us.
shouting with glee
we race through the pulsating liquid.
the sudden change of temperature
providing respite.
shivering
we stand on the other side.
the sprinkler,
noticing we have run away,
turns toward us.
psh,
psh,
psh.
it calls in warning.
we dance in the grass,
holding our breath,
anticipating its chilly return
in our game of water tag.
teeth chattering,
we spend hours,
laughing,
playing,
in the afternoon heat.
the gentle back and forth
of our garden sprinkler
is all we need
for now.
© Cathy L. Mere
I certainly wanted to get into the sprinklers the last two days, Cathy. It was 102 on Monday (Colorado)! Love the poem & know that playing in the sprinklers is just right, maybe today on the first day of summer too. I like the 'creak, creak, creak' and 'psh, psh, psh'.
ReplyDeleteCatapulted back into childhood, thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I was jumping and playing right with you! Refreshing!
ReplyDeleteOh, this is so dear! It really reminds me of Kam doing this on Memorial Day Weekend! I could picture the scene in my mind! Nice job
ReplyDeleteAhhh, your post is just what I needed to read on such a hot day! So vivid and refreshing!
ReplyDelete