the heavy
hot air presses close to
rust covered automobiles
weary, sweating people
dry, brown leafed palm trees
swooning in the bright
glaring sun
It stains the soft
dark concrete
with scorching heat
leaves dogs lying tired
short fur stuck close to backs wetted with sweat
tongues and tails drooping low
The callous sun slowly cooks the beaches
the sidewalks
the sandpapered roofs
leaving no reprieve
no oasis or shelter
refrigerators are hefted open
tinkling ice poured into warm glasses
and cold lemonade poured after
thick with pulp
and dotted with seeds
sliding down dry throats
to rest in dry stomachs
sprinklers are turned on
and hoses let loose in a vain attempt
to quell the fierce clear skies
and blazing ball of fire that circles over head
slowly inching toward the horizon
until it sinks into the cool sea
red and angry
shining its dying light onto the briny green ocean
until it vanishes
beneath the waves
and merciful night swarms down
to erase its last burning rays
the night is warm and the air soupy and moist
the moon
yellow and smooth as butter
casts a ethereal glow
as the world begins to cool
piercing stars glimmer down on searing streets
as the light veil of night drapes itself like a blanket over houses
streetlights
rust covered cars
lazing dogs
searing sidewalks
and all is
silent
until the sun tears back around