It is summer’s end,
Although not totally,
So I paused for a moment
Just to breathe,
Somewhere within this blanket
Of humidity.

There is little that appeals
When you are bathed in sweat,
Struggling for air,
And in oxygen debt.
The thought of cool pool,
This misery to allay,
But I am out of luck
After Labor Day.

The dogs are lazy
And so am I,
In a front porch rocker
With iced tea
Nearby.
Politics is everywhere
And it’s just past noon,
So we’ll sit out here
And I’ll hum a tune.

It is for me
In this life,
The little things,
A dog
Willing to fetch,
My grandchild
 On a swing.

And as I ponder
So sweetly
The days of my youth,
Only now can I
Appreciate
The simple truth,
That there is little
More important
Than conscience clear,
And the touch
Of a loved one,
So near and dear.