Another summer is finally here

And with it

the smell of campfire

My children shriek

As they run around

Gangs of kids on bikes

In twos, and threes, and fours

They play until the sun falls behind the water

if we would only allow it

And grumble at bedtime

Even though it’s hours

after their usual time

I watch them run

Smiling

as I recall my own summer days

Riding with my brothers on gravel roads

The dog

barking at our heels

Riding as fast as we could

So Cujo didn’t get us

(Although I’d yet to read the story)

In the way of youth

We felt the thrill of fear

As we evaded the monster

I close my eyes

Remembering

Hot, lazy days at the lake

Diving down

to the murky bottom

Mouth full of sand

when I accidentally went too far

Too fast

We had our own world

A kingdom of Summer

NO ADULTS ALLOWED

My kids race off

Once again

And I smile

Remembering my first expedition

And pull my hat lower

To snooze in the sun

until they return