Another day of late July swelter in southern California.
News brays out temperature records tied or broken.
I turn off the TV–conserving both electric and psychic energy.
Just before sunset, evening cools to tolerable levels.
I go outdoors, briefly sharing the patio with pesky mosquitos.
Then fairly early to bed, after opening all windows wide.
I awaken to artificial light from the alley,
Nature still full dark. Mostly quiet.
Nearly a mile away, a few trucks downshift
On the uphill grade of the nearest freeway.
Later, an early-rising human roars by on his motorcycle.
In his wake, an early-rising bird begins tuning up.
The pre-dawn air is cool. A beneficent breeze through
My bedroom window wafts me back toward slumber.
Perhaps another record-setting hot day on tap.
Grateful for indoor shelter, for cooling fans,
I luxuriate in bed a little longer.
In a while, I’ll rise to greet the dawn.
For now, the breeze brings its pre-dawn greeting.
Jinny's Occasional Poems 