Hot Summer Day

Who knew that we would find a way To cool ourselves, that summer day Bored with creating ways for fun All simmering in the August sun (Oh, but for a man-made stream!) Gas lines prepped for installation Workers ruining our vacation Still, it was a thing to watch Making bets on what they'd botch (Oh, but for a man-made stream!) We always gave the workers fits Inspiring many a cursing blitz Intent to make their faces blue And blunt the project, through-and-through (Oh, but for a man-made stream!) A stanchion, old and under strain Was precious close to the water main Steel collapsing, someone cursed As sure enough, the main had burst! (Oh, but for a man-made stream!) Repairing mains beyond their skill They left the street and let it fill And much to our extreme delight It wouldn't be repaired that night (Oh, but for a man-made stream!) Well, what a place that street became A wondrous, splashing water game! A miracle sent to cool our steam ... A fluid, flowing, man-made stream! (A silly, sunny, city-kid's dream!)