Meredith

16

Simplicity
Summer is a sundress.
Bare legs and shoulders
covered only by the fabric of my tan
easy access,
to the mosquitos that sneak onto my skin.
Flowing fabric
to flatter the body
that the sun has long since melted
into a puddle of futile resistance to midday naps,
modest
but cool,
and hot.
sweat gathers at my temples
reminding me of something
warm
the meaningless kiss of the wind on my knees
temporarily distracts me.
Then I need a drink
and lemonade accessorizes
the curious bees decorating the gladiolas braided into my hair.
My skirt,
the charming patchwork
it calls for an afternoon basking
half sincere, half self-important.
Like a great serpent
too engorged with watermelon to slink away gracefully
I spread my legs apart-
probably no one’s looking
too much strawberry daiquiri-
open my arms
to embrace the sun,
cheek turned to the side
to receive a peck,
The warm concrete beneath me
Wondering when the first leaf will die.
How I wish you had slipped off as easily
As my polka-dotted sundress with summer’s last sigh.