Summertime

So many memories I have are summer-colored,
like those walking-down-the-lane days recalled in various hues of green.
Green for Grandpa’s cornfields spread all around us
and green for the grass on which my sisters and I used to run and play.

Besides that color green, which prettily surrounded me through all my childhood,
I think a favorite memory would be
the colors of one lovely day spent with my family,
the family created by my spouse and me and a day our kids were young.

We lived near San Francisco. 
Few troubles plagued us then and I loved our short time in California!
One summer day at last we went to see the beach of Santa Cruz.
I don’t remember details of everything we did.
We walked along the boardwalk, naturally.
I’m sure the kids, both pre-teens, enjoyed the rides. 
Even I was every bit as excited as the two of them.
I’m sure my spouse and I took pictures, ate good-tasting food 
and watched our children doing things all children love to do.

But what stood out for me was our time spent on the beach
and how we all jumped up to greet each wave that tumbled toward us
time and time again to knock us down.
What pure pleasure in the splashes of blue that fun-filled day,
the blue of the Pacific, which chilled me at the start
until I warmed to it as the yellow sun in blue of sky above
smiled down on us.

Yes, the blue of sky and water
and the constant shining yellow of the sun:
those would be the colors of my favorite summer memory -
when times were good and we were young and simply having fun.

For the Summertime Contest of Janis Thompson
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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12
Kulkarni Avatar
August 10, 2019 at 12:39 PM
It was really fun to read your poem of summertime fun Andrea!
Hopper Avatar
August 6, 2019 at 12:02 PM
I feel like I was there. Lovely!
Foster Avatar
August 6, 2019 at 12:37 AM
This is a wonderful piece. Art in motion, just near the surface of a song. Lovely write. Ann
Marcum Wong Avatar
July 5, 2016 at 3:36 PM
This is so sweet Andrea. Co on your placement in the contest my friend. I hope you are enjoying time with your son. ; )
Canerdy Avatar
July 5, 2016 at 2:56 PM
A 7 for this winning poem that makes me smile and say "Ahh," Andrea. Janice
Medders Tobechi Avatar
July 5, 2016 at 1:24 PM
Congratulations and thanks for being in the contest.....
Maverick Avatar
May 1, 2014 at 6:20 PM
Such a heart warming write here Andrea many Happy thanks..'
Sefunmi Avatar
July 28, 2013 at 2:42 PM
After a very long time of reading poetry, I enjoyed reading this lovely poem today.
Sefunmi Avatar
July 28, 2013 at 2:48 PM
*I meant after a very long time of not reading poetry
Gildersleeve Avatar
July 27, 2013 at 5:41 AM
Andrea so enjoyed this delightful summer day of fun. It flowed so beautiful, I could almost sing the rhythm. Congratulations on your excellent win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Ramage Avatar
July 26, 2013 at 10:56 PM
Congratulations on your win. How are you? Just dropping by to have a read of some poems. Haven't been on site for a year. Take care, hope all is well. Lee
A   Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 9:55 PM
hello, ANDREA the poem is hot and Awesome... congrats with your summer time poem...love Linda
Anglesey Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 6:53 PM
Andrea, I loved being in your happy moments while reading this exquisite heartfelt poem. Congratulations on your well deserved win:)
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
July 25, 2013 at 12:51 AM
Congratulations on your winning spot Andy, i always know you will be on the winners list xx
May Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 7:27 PM
wonderful write Andrea....congrats on your win
Seal Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 4:41 PM
Those were the days Petal, on holiday playing with the kids, great times, miss them. I see congratulations are in order, hmmmm old poem though lol. Take care, Richard
Ryerson Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 2:57 PM
Andrea - I was stationed in that area for a year and have been to Santa Cruz and Monterrey which I fell in love with...We were dry-docked in Vellejo and had an apartment there...Where did y'all live?...Congrats - Tim
Dietrich Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 3:46 PM
Hayward, CA. UGGGG
A  Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 1:29 PM
Congratulations Andrea, a lovely gift of a poem. Thank you for the support my contest. Stop by and enjoy my blog: (A Lavender Day-- summer contest) winners. Have yourself an awesome day. LUV ~SKAT
Jordan Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Congratulations again, Andrea. I love the California coast, and regret not having spent more time there. You really are the most prolific writer on poetry soup, and your wins are much deserved... Jack
Richards Avatar
July 24, 2013 at 12:23 PM
As a native Californian, I have spent many summers at beaches nearby, and also in So. Calif. where I lived when a child. There is such a difference between the northern coast and the southern. Loved the memories you tell in your poem!
Duncan Avatar
May 30, 2013 at 6:10 PM
I lived in L. A. about 6 yrs. hung out at Venice beach a lot. a few of my nieces still live there. ,,,, when I said I write words/ poems 5-6 a day sometimes. I don't like a lot of them. Oh ya, I do like this poem, I see why it won ;} glad you liked my Troll poem ;}
Brown Avatar
May 4, 2012 at 5:58 AM
Congratulations on your win in Frank's "A Summer Memory" contest Andrea. Love, Carol
Prabhu Avatar
April 30, 2012 at 12:28 PM
wonderfully well written Andrea......! ~sashi
Johnson Avatar
April 30, 2012 at 11:56 AM
What a happy memory Andrea. Congratulations. Love, Joyce
Onclaud Avatar
April 30, 2012 at 2:59 AM
pure gold!...my hands are tied, so here's a generic sweet cheers to you for a great win... :) huggs and love, andie!
Roberts Avatar
April 29, 2012 at 9:50 PM
lovely memory you've painted, congrats on your win Andrea
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