Summer

Picture this, It’s a Saturday, in the middle of July. The morning birds lightly sing to welcome the morning sun. The clock reads 9:00 am, you’re well rested and still have so much day left to enjoy. The walk down the stairs seems effortless with no worries corrupting your mind. Your morning routine is in slow motion today, for there is no rush creeping up your back or any deadlines waiting for your attention. You pour the cereal and milk with grace, watching each ingredient graze the inside of your bowl. As the sun’s reflection shines through the window and dances across the kitchen floor.

“It's going to be a hot one today!” the television reports as you sip the remains of your breakfast.  On the wooden floor in the mudroom, sits your towel nicely folded next to the pool bag, with only the necessities within. A good book, some tanning lotion, a pair of sunglasses and a cellphone turned to silent. When opening the front door, the warmth of the summer brushes your face as you squint to allow your eyes to adjust with the brightness of the day.

The towel tickles the back of your neck as it rests on the pool chair. The sun looks down upon you, giving you permission to soak up its rays and relax. The smell of sunscreen and chlorine gently reside under your nose as you listen to the pitter patter of wet feet gallop by. Today’s Top Twenty plays somewhere in the background but is gently hushed behind the roaring sound of laughter and splashes. The pool water collapses in on you and soaks into your frame. Washing away last week’s worries leaving with a pure new attitude about the oncoming week.

Hours go by, before your skin feels tight to where it hugs your body more than usual. The sun has done its job now and urges you home as it starts to hide behind the clouds. You realize you got enough color but not too much. The temporary tan is tattooed all the way down to your dampen shriveled toes. You walk home fulfilled and a little bit sun drained from your endeavors this afternoon.

You curl up for a quick power nap, in a cool air-conditioned room. The sound of cars race by outside eager to get home. You dream of the terrible winter days that are only months away. You silently pray for skies of blue and dread the skies of grey. Hopefully, summer will last longer this year as sleep sweeps you off.

You awaken to the smell of the grill and as the famous BBQ’ essentials sizzle in their place. You indulge a little more on this meal because after all, it is the weekend. It is cooked just the way you like it, not too crispy but still just juicy enough. The ketchup kisses your cheeks and you smile wide as you watch the sun sulk down out of view.

Another perfect summer day down in the books.