CANICULE.

a mystery until then.

and this pain broke me

like a promise 

in the summer ; 

between cold beers

and endless nights

smothered in stars

and boring conversations.

in heatwaves like ripples

along the scars on my back,

tongue numb and eyes slit,

finding the road ahead.

and the road within.

we laughed in hushed whispers

that covered our skin

and sunk under like tattoos ;

the ones that match

but not quite.

yes, it broke me then

and i think one day,

it'll break me a little less.

maybe on a balcony

in some hotel in Italy,

with a sign that flickers

when the light bill is due

and i'll sip my champagne

from a crystal flute

and think 

"hmm,

what did he mean

all those summers ago?"

Reviews

[Michael Sun Bear]

I had to laugh with joy at your inventiveness here. Finishing on a balcony in Italy with a flickering sign was brilliant. I am way ahead of myself. I should have begun by saying how much I like the opening:
and this pain broke me
like a promise
in the summer
It immediately seized my attention and created anticipation. I’m still a fan!

[Emunah June.]

Michael, you have always been the absolute sweetest! I sincerely am glad to hear you liked it and I hope you are doing well these days.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Like Ken, I saw and felt this entire poem...and wanted to know what he meant myself.
beautiful imagery as always.
j.

[Emunah June.]

Im very thankful my intentions came across! Thank you, Jacob, I hope you will come by again son!

[Emunah June.]

*soon lol apologies!

[Ken Simm.]

Such a romantic episodic write. I could see these events in my minds eye, rolling past film like. It affected me.

[Emunah June.]

I am so thankful you appreciated my writing! I try to keep my writing romantic, airy, ethereal, but honest. I am hopeful that you felt some nostalgia of a life long ago while you read.