Last Days of Summer

Two six year old cousins
greeted each other then discussed
the potential bankruptcy

of their favorite
fast food restaurants
pondering the wisdom

of investing in hot dogs or pizza
wondering which would have a better
chance of succeeding in this economy.

Others kicked a ball around
for a quick game of soccer
one word exchanges heard

then a hardy congratulations
like, “Good one,” and “Atta boy!”
Families gathered in little clumps

around their portable grills
aromas of carne asada, barbqued chicken
and hamburgers emerged

adding flavor to the weather along Mission Bay.
Some parts of California
were still suffering a heat wave,

temperatures above 105 degrees,
but those who took the time
to drive to San Diego

basked in a nice sea breeze
to fly decorative kites
and play games of croquet.

The last days of summer
were coming to an end
but today people gathered

to celebrate with each other
while the hours slipped away.
Thoughts of work and school

intruded but were pushed aside,
to enjoy laughter in the midday sun,
play tag on the open field,

ride bikes along the shoreline,
before the long shadows of summer
were completely gone.