Summer is a strawberry,

incubated eggs leaking

juicy sweetness down tanned chins.

.

Summer is watermelon

rinds on styrofoam plates, chilled

picnic fare shared with neighbours.

.

Summer is barefoot grasses,

firefly lanterns at dusk,

creamsicle smudges on shorts.

.

Fireworks stars, awnings strung

with campfire’s glow, seared grill-marks,

sandy toes at water’s edge;

.

Lazy hours with dog-eared books,

aloe vera to soothe sun’s

kiss – all add up to summer.