ode to an oregon summer
J. H.
kids run free through the neighborhood
no one to supervise them but themselves
chalk drawings of unicorns cover the sidewalk
they’re washed away by a water balloon fight
tomorrow, dragons and hopscotch will take their place
the sun's heat is diffused by evergreen trees
providing enough shade for a picnic by the river
a perfect view to watch families float down it in droves
the soft rapids claim the first victims of the season
they reemerge from the depths soaked and full of laughter
at night friends gather to celebrate each other
hamburgers and marionberry ice cream fill the table
they stay up late and so does the sun
the purple hue of twilight spreads like morning mist
soon stars light up the sky and the town
days are filled with rest and recreation
hikers flee to mountains
shoppers flood downtown
paddleboarders flock to the lake
the water stands still, i wish time would too
