The First Day of Summer

Today is the first day of summer. What does summertime mean? We all know the scientific stuff like it is the equinox, the sun is at its highest point, the planets, etc.

We all know that. But, what it really means is that the tomatoes are beginning to ripen. The squash is coming in by the handful. The bush beans are ready for picking.

The bees are stuffing their sacs from the butterfly bushes, working the ice plant for the pollen hidden in the pink petals, and fighting the Japanese beetles for the nectar of the mimosa blossoms.

The hemerocallis is doing her duty producing her daily lily of pale lemon, bright yellow, orange, or russet.
The mourning doves aren't mourning but delighting in stealing free fallen sunflower seeds.

After today, the days will become shorter so let's not waste a moment of our sweet summertime.

Summer swaggers in
all hot and sweaty.
Slaps a
thunderous hand
saying, "Let the fun begin."

©Wittmann