Poetry Poetry 1 min

Sweet Summer Life

Allie Semperger

There were sunflowers in the garden

The first year we moved in

Like the ducklings in our pool

They were never seen again

Now I stretch on the sun-warmed deck

Beneath the tree I share with my mother

While the hawks surf the sky, gliding high just for fun

And the clouds never stop changing colors

You'll find me in my favorite summer place

Watching dragonflies with wings of lace

Cooking yucca ‘cause I like the taste

Everything is just a phase

There are swifts in our chimney

And spiders on the stones

When I hear cicadas screaming, I feel at home.

I love how birds turn metallic

When they fly above the sun

And the gentle glow of fireflies

Makes my proud heart come undone

Give me fresh air and cool nights

And dark skies free of fog

Tell the butterflies, "Beware the pond"

I saw one eaten by a frog

I never know what I'll find

When I look into the woods,

but

The silhouette of antlers brings hope.

I've cried and I've screamed and I've prayed and I've dreamed

But with family and nature I cope

‘Cause when I hear cicadas screaming,

I feel at home.

1st place winner of the 2024 DTDL Short Story & Poetry Contest. Adult age group, poetry.

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