Summer Heat
Bring the pets inside.
Water
them and the garden – soak it.
It’s life or death, now.
The lawn
crackles underfoot.
Screenshots
on social media compare numbers
in the 40’s. In the
car I fan myself
in front of blasting aircon; I’m
one of the Bee Gees, so addicted
to the cold breeze!
The freezer
ice drawer becomes a revolving
door. Is that bush
smoke, in the
air? There’s danger,
somewhere
that wind is hot!
Tasks are left
half, or un-done – this heat saps
everyone. Neighbours,
in the evening
linger outside, trying to cool. If only
we had a pool! Voices
drift across
patios and fences. Can’t sleep at night,
clothes thrown off – not even sheets.
Windows open, begging for relief, but
the air is listless and heavy. Forecasts
stretch like heat haze into forever.
Kerry Miller
