Heat
that oppressive heat
which defines this place
this region
stretching the days eerily long
weighing us with humidity
until we break in desperation
(or give up in perspiration)
(it is no wonder that of old
the rich in this place took their leisure
and in turn oppressed
those without choice—
for who would choose to labor
under the hot southern sun?)
these summer months are filled with emptiness
no school, the learning melts away
and the attendant busy-ness is gone
those who can do so leave on vacation
for what can be done?
no major feasts or festivals,
the green vestments to match the green plants
(too hot to bloom)
the one event:
a celebration of one hot summer
when revolutionaries put their fiery words to paper
when on the hottest dog day
Sirius arouses from his slumber
it is not surprising that he is reluctant
to join the eternal hunt