Suddenly my plate
seems way too full to carry
both meal and dessert.

Four brave fishermen
fashion a rickety raft
too small to survive.

The shortest of storms
cools the stuffy evening air
beyond the windows.

A man and woman
bring each other happiness,
years into their love.

Here comes the wedding
video footage looping
again and again.

Gingerly we walk
into air conditioning,
from humidity.

Faded Eddie shirts
become badges of honor
among Maiden fans.

Unbearable heat
turns heads to the garden hose
out there in the grass.

Despite the danger,
patriotic booming blasts
emerge from backyards.

Absent one partner,
two of the three musketeers
soldier bravely on.