Reliving Youth

Throw the mommy caution
to the wind. Shut down the little
voice that says "should" and "don't"
and "probably not." Don't think about
rust, toxins, dirty-bug-bits,
or nasty wintry sediment.

Instead, embrace the 90
degree sunshine beating down
like a Cuban big band in full swing.
Stick out your tongue like
a happy dog, eager and thirsty
for water with a snap of cool.

Bend your head forward
and remember days spent
chasing sprinkler shower
and running gleefulshouting
through the grass to dive -
belly first - into the pool.

This is summer.
This is two.
This is joyful...
And part of being so
alive
is drinking water from the hose.

Ambling Amiably

Today was a beautiful, sunny day with a light, cool breeze; not too humid, not too dry. The trees looked particularly green and happy, the scent of clover danced through the air, and the sky was bright, ocean-colored blue with light dollops of puffy cloud scattered around.

It was an absolute pleasure to be outside, walking to class, and I was struck by the simple happiness a little stroll can bring. Especially on a gorgeous, refreshing, early summer day in Southern Illinois.

A Pavlovian Response to Temperature-Related Nostalgia Serving as Anticipatory Catalyst

There is nothing so beautiful as a sunny, breezy day in the high 70s after weeks of rain and cold weather.

Not the first taste of spring... more like the first taste of summer. A happy precursor to the days of water-sprinklers, festivals, open-windowed car rides, peaches, ice cream, traveling, and sandals to come.