The Theory and Practice of Summer

The Theory and Practice of Summer

Summer is better in theory than in practice:
Watermelon days barefootin’ in the shade
Pole-fishing for perch in the neighbor’s pond
Oak-tree afternoons lost in a library book

Oh, no

Up before dawn to get the milk cows in
Fence-building blisters in the prickly heat
Pulling the weeds in Mama’s garden plot
And hauling to the barn late August hay 

Oh, yes

Summer’s not what it could be, as a rule
But still it’s good because there ain’t no school!

Original Poetry