peak summer

bare feet

iced drinks

outdoor concerts and evening picnics

red wine has been shelved for rosé

more iced and fizzy cocktails are in the mix.

there’s the constant grit of sand

and picnic blankets stink of earth.

dinners are outside

and birds and sunlight are the alarm clock—which can be ignored.

books on the beach

bike rides along the water

ospreys soar overhead, while bunnies nibble the lawn.

open toes, open collars, open sunroof.

is gelato better than ice cream,

or vice versa?

white nectarines

yellow squash, black cherries.

deadheading roses

drifting in the kayak

swaying on the swing

deep exhale

the fireflies have made their presence known.