O Summer
Why do I love you so?
You are cranky beyond all reason
You ebb and flow with sun and rain
not gentle fare
You beat me up
with sweltering breath
then thunderous mood swings
so much attention you demand
props and repellents
shades and screen
never do you grant any good hair thing

O Summer
Why do I love you so?
You are dangerous in your endeavors
Radar maps blink constantly
to warn us of your next disaster
You woo us into pools of bliss
then crack your fatal celestial whip
You wilt us with your glaring strength
then dump on us a heaving drink

O Summer
Why do I long for you
Huge risk with little reward
and yet I cannot deny
You satisfy my hungry eye
Poincianas painted brilliantly
Mangoes hung like gladiator feasts
preening proudly against purple skies
Thunderheads fit for Zeus
mounting, cracking, dangerously dancing

Even your most tempestuous display
though causing me to run for cover
I sit in darkness in the middle of the day
and stew in amazement at your audible display
And when you've shaken earth to the core
Had your way with her then swiftly flee
I venture forth into those great outdoors
and breathe in the cleansing atmosphere
the flowers perk up, the grass stands erect
Your warfare seems to have brought out their best

O Summer
Here we go again