Summer Slacking

A Poem by Michelle Gent

Summer fun in the sweltering heat

Summer Slacking-

Sheets of white hanging from a line
Cast silhouetted shadows of children from behind
Piercing laughter and shrieking boos
Children weaving in and out then right on through

A machine gun sets off an assaulting spray of frigid water
A welcoming reprieve from summers heat
and unrelenting sun

A barrage of transparent liquid salvation comes barreling my way
with a splat
Soaking an already moistened body

Off in the distance there's the sound of faint humming
and melodic jingling bells
Sending droves of bumbling offspring off
Dashing into a delighted hysterical delirium

A frantic frenzy ensues an unassuming ice cream man
He finally stops to their delight
Ending their hot pursuit

Aaaaah frozen ecstasy on a cone
With extra chocolate sprinkles
Delicious!
The liquid ooze drips messily down their chins
Bringing forth the thought of rabid dogs

Barefoot they run on the sweltering pavement
In unison, with almost joint telepathy
Into the neighbors yard they dash and dive
Into the crystal blue

Washing away all evidence of their chocolate disguise
A christening from the creamy concoction
A relief from the oppressive heat