the shock of cold water against humid skin as you dive with abandon
the thrill in your kid's eye as she plunges into the deep end for the first time this year
the brain freeze that comes with the first huge bite of shaved ice with syrup
the scent of chlorine, suntan lotion and hot sun filling your laundry room afterwards like a warm smile
the inky acrid smell of real charcoal and lighter fluid snaking into your nose
photo by Dave K Cooper
the first corn cob of the season popping its kernels between your teeth
the first firefly of the summer blinking in your front yard
the aural hip shake of bossa nova on the stereo making your shoulders shimmy, just a little
the quiet non-sounds marking a late May night - two people on their porch, rocking & humming & writing
here's where summer begins. this magic - it's not complicated.
