in streaming sunshine,

I wait as morning’s

heat intensifies.

I tie back my long

hair,push up sleeves, finally

remove socks and shoes.

then things start cooling down.

50 percent, he says .

I wait. 60 percent.

I leave my chair, sit down on the wooden

porch steps. 85 percent.

neighbors in adjoining yards

chat, wait as we all wait.

Then, in a rush,

the door closes on full day,

and twilight hangs over us. A cheer

from somewhere across the way,

a kiss between us, and sun returns

…a trickle, a stream, the light

and color and promise

of new day.