The Balmy Month of August

The Balmy Month of August During those dog days of summer’s dream-rest, When crops robust in days, that are hottest. I sought to find my love peacefully asleep, Under the shady oak tree canopy. Luscious gladiolus witnessed my jest, When I playfully grass tickled her neck. And she in stupor trusted my nuisance, In the balmy month of August presence. “You are incorrigible,” she awoke to speak, And scratched the itch I had inflicted. Then kissed my hand to make me blush, In the balmy month of August hush. Where youthfulness swarms the lea and stream, And sultry air nips the nostrils to breathe. While a kingfisher squats upon the truss, To sunbathe in the balmy month of August. *** Note: The month of August is named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor (63 BC–14 AD). Gladiolus and the poppy are August’s birth flowers. The gladiolus (aka sword lily or glad) symbolize strength of character, honour, and love, while the poppy symbolizes eternal rest, oblivion, remembrance, and imagination. August babies are considered lucky, born under the protection of August’s birthstone (the vibrant green rare gem peridot), which symbolizes strength and healing powers. In the Northern Hemisphere, the “Dog Days” of summer are usually very hot and humid, and last from July 3 to August 11. Sirius (aka the Dog Star) in the constellation Canis Major (The Great Dog) rises at the same time.