Taking the PPC4 - 52 Weeks of Poetry

Prompt 39 (22nd April 2024)

Summer Heat

The fierce summer heat lends a heavy golden stillness to the river
as with sluggish reluctance the water crawls between baked banks
everywhere is shimmering light as the very air boils and writhes
in twisted, hazy agonies that throws trembling, ephemeral reflections
no one is attempting hot footed to fire-walk across the small bridge
shunning unnecessary movement in favour of shade and the scant relief it offers
I lean against the trunk of a tree, shield my eyes from the glare as I stare around
a scene syrup heavy with the fevered, pollen laden air in which
insects whine on the edge of hearing, impossible to place
or else buzz loud and startling, right next to my ear and I swat hopelessly
salt slick sweat trickles down again to sting my eyes
soaking my palm as futilely I attempt to wipe it away