A Dog Day of August

Although this was written in 2009, today is one of "those" days

artwork by Barbara Haviland

courtesy of etsy.com - Barbsgarden

                  A dog day of August


I suckle droplets of joy
out of empty moments
by writing words
passing the time
till the evening comes to call
and it's time to read each syllable
through the shadow of my heavy lids


A smile
holding a backpack of hope
marches through my field of vision
then tiptoes gingerly across my lips
with a strangely familiar gentleness
I realize
you will read these words too
and then you, my love
will surely understand


              A dog day of August

 

Author's Note

right now the temperature is 96 with a heat index of 110......where is the walk in freezer? :)

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

"A smile
holding a backpack of hope
marches through my field of vision
then tiptoes gingerly across my lips"

Your metaphors are music for the soul, Lydi!
It's not too much cooler here in San Diego...how 'bout joining me for a tall glass of tea? ; )

[Lydia Shutter]

Sounds like a great plan to me, Kelly! :) Thanks for stopping by. I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi**

[Tom]

Yes indeed it is comforting to know that during those quieter reflective moments, a little writing and reading helps fill vacant hours !

Another fine thoughtful cerebral piece of poetry Lydia !

[Lydia Shutter]

Tom, your reviews mean so much to me. Thank you once again. Lydi**

[An owl on the moon]

Seems a perfect summer moment... and after such a chill winter, I'm going to enjoy these warm smiles and joyful sighs... :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Craig. Lydi**

[Sophy Freebirds]

Ohh wow!! Very hot indeed but still we are relieved by some showers of rain. The phrases you've coined here is too good. Suckling happiness from the empty droplets. Yes writing takes away the sadness and burden from us.And the hope that someone special will read our words makes us giggle with pleasure. Can't help smiling.Superb Lydi :)

~Sophy

[Lydia Shutter]

Glad you enjoyed, Sophy. Thank you for the review. Lydi**

[Norah]

So vivid! Absolutely wonderful piece of poetry..as always, excellent job Lydia :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Nora, you are a sweetheart. Thank you. Lydi**

[Frieda P]

Surrender to an old familiar notion, makes those shadows of heavy lids so much lighter. Indeed hot, in so many ways Lydikey.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Frieda. Hope today is a good one for you. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

oh my....but this poem is hot....such love expressed in wonderful metaphor...

I needed a bath towel to wipe the sweat away.

[Lydia Shutter]

Smiling here....thank you for the review, Jacob. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... "holding a backpack of hope"
as the summer glides across the River where
dreams abide. Your art is lovely as colors wrap
around her shoulders in the coolness of
romantic overtures. Beautiful poetry with a
"familiar gentleness that tiptoes gingerly
across my lips". Be still my heart.
truly Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Good morning sweet friend of mine! Thank you so much for this poetic review. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

"I suckle droplets of joy out of empty moments by writing words...". Wow. What could I say to do justice to that line by itself, much less the entire piece. The August heat is indeed so oppressive at times, but at least in the middle of the night there are a couple bearable hours... and reading superb poetry like this takes my mind off summer. Kudos. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

Jim! Always happy to see a review from you, my friend. In just a few months we will be complaining of the cold weather....because we are human! :) Thanks for the review. Have a great day. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Wow hot and so evocative of the heat of August in such temperatures. Unbearably hot and told in such a flowing verse Lydi

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, John. Lydi**