Sonnet in August

When August leaves me breathless, so close and hot

That my mind becomes sluggish and my spirits melt

I come where the river runs too cool for thought,

So clear that the willow shadows bend and sway

On its tawny bed where smolt and minnows play.

I strip off my clothes, dive in and flail away

Among all that dazzle and cold, let myself get caught

With the current against me, all for naught.

Most people swim upstream, like my guests

Who love to thrash like mad around the bend.

Not me: I flip on my back, surrender

My strivings entirely, let the river render

Me willy nilly~ aimless, cool and blessed.