Simplicity

 

Late August afternoons, the world, and our mothers,
could find us anchored hard by chalk masterpiece
paved upon eight houses cul-de-sac.
Each afternoon bore age nine routines-
stamp our existence onto dim cotton skirts,
juice box straw snug between chapped lips,
black Mary Janes loose about twenty toes.

 

August then was more like maple syrup-
sun sweet hours oozed between our knuckles,
seeping into concrete lines, like clockwork.
Through austere lashes we watched headlights
slow to pass before punch-buggies dragged after.
We wore late afternoons like sweaters that year,
handmade and warm against our skin.

Reviews

[NightDream]

I love the image and the tone of this piece. A true awe inspired ode to the hot slow days of august when the summer end and the world once again slows down as children head back off to school. I think the last line is my favorite because it contrasted two elements that are associated by thier warmth (sweaters and August) and wove them into a single idea or thought. Great piece with all the elements needed to allow the reader to feel, and smell the end of summer and the start of fall.

[Spat Queen]

The sentiments and the imagery are terrific. I had a little trouble with the ending, though. I felt like it needed something more. Nice work.