Hello Summer

MEDIUM ARTICLE: Hello Summer

What’s that on my cheek?

Could it be?

Why yes it is. Summer, you’ve returned!

You deliver a simple brush on the nape of my neck, as though a gentle reminding kiss from an old returning lover has arrived.

It’s no surprise, really. I knew you’d be back. You always return forgetting the brutal winter you left in your wake. .

We have this passionate love affair that strikes up every year right around this time. I await your arrival as soon as the cold, clouded, gray skies turn to a more brightly lit hue of beige and then tan.

I notice as soon as the rose buds begin to perk and as though applauding the forthcoming warm weather, the trees spread their limbs tall to the Heavens and twinkle their finger like leaves as though to applaud, “Hurray! The sun has returned and all things are good once more!”

As soon as the scent of spring lights up my brain, it’s hard to think of anything else but your warm and loving embrace. No one holds me like summertime. Nothing creates so much hope and anticipation as this solstice. No one else can promise so much and deliver on it all every time.

As soon as you return my mind floods with memories of summers past and plans for the one ahead of us. Is there time? Who knows when you’ll again leave?

Wait, you tease. You were here and now once more you’ve left. Like an aloof lover you refresh and entrance me. Getting me coiled in your hypnotic sunrises and the blue of your sky is no task; the early morning sunrise and the humid balmy twilights.

Then, you’re gone for several days.

No word.

No warning.

You leave only dark dreariness and call it weather. You cry like a child and call it rain. You blow me off like a jilted boyfriend who means nothing and simply call it winter.

Summer, no matter what you do, or how long you go, I’ll always love you. Like an infatuated teenager I want to play with you. Like a jealous stalker, I watch your every move. Like a besotted romance I watch your every move.

Hey Summer, remember when we spent the whole weekend just playing in the warm ocean waves? Or the time you took me to see a flock of baby hawks hatch and get pushed out of their nest and fly? All except one. And there was nothing I or anyone could do to help it.

Or the time your evening sky exploded with every color and hue of the rainbow as though demonstrating your wizardry just for me? I remember. I remember every twinkle of your night heavens and every drop of morning due. It’s all part of summer.

Summer, I wonder if when you’re gone each year, do you miss me like I miss you? No, I guess with all your admirers I cannot expect fidelity? But I always hope for another longer day. A day that we spend outside in nature and feeling fit; A day that never ends; a day that’s just you and me and no one else.

No, I guess you have so many admirers, lovers even that I can’t expect fidelity, but Summer, can I please ask, why do you love and leave and pretend you don’t remember? You make each new day original and unique. The smells and the lighting, the wind and the water, the sun and the stars… If it’s not all for me, then for whom does your season turn?

Oh summer, I won’t nag and I won’t complain. I’ll just be grateful for every moment, every gentle breeze, and for every psychedelic sunset.

Summer, is that your heat on my face or are you just happy to see me?

Michael J. Herman is a Professional Writer and Speaker. His forthcoming 15th book Side Hustle With Muscle will release September 1, 2020. Michaeljherman.com