Rachel

14

“Summer,” they say.__ Blasting music, shrill, assailing laughs,__Clothes that barely cover tanned top halves.__Sweat, dust, heated breath and hands,__Throwing up a glow stick and not caring where it lands.__Quick, hot kisses, planted on the cheek,__Loud commotion drowning out the gurgling, peaceful creek.__Roaring crowds, garishly orange skin,__extra time spent letting all the sunlight in.___Sneaking out windows, giddy, mindless screams,___Scattering from a wailing car’s searching head beams.___Loose pandemonium, throbbing, raging fires___Smoke, stars, blinding lights, wasted drinking minors.___
“Summer,” they say.___ ___“Summer,” they say.___Sitting on a cool rock beneath looming shade,___The tickling sensation of an emerald grass blade___Skin that prickles in the air conditioning___
Sometimes it’s nice when nobody’s listening.___Afternoons spent in overflowing solidarity___Except for the company of a dog’s effortless hilarity.___Old book, new flick,___Letting a new friend take their pick.___Musty paper, pencil in sore hand,___Big trees, sturdy knees, sun-kissed land,___Soul-deep music playing in the backseat___Tongue tingling after sharing icy treat.___Natural smile, warm, pecan-colored skin___Dust laden ideas can finally begin.___Bodies of people in bodies of water___Souls are lighter when the weather gets hotter.___Velvety skies, intimate vows___Joke, stars, twinkling lights, mind in the now.___“Summer,” they say.___ ___“Summer,” I say___Examining the differing views___And relishing in the fact___I finally have the freedom to choose.