The Balmy Month of August
The Balmy Month of August
During those dog days of summer’s dream-rest,
When crops are robust in days that are hottest,
I sought to find my love peacefully asleep
Under the shady oak tree canopy.
Luscious gladioluses witnessed my jest
When I playfully grass-tickled her neck.
And she, in a stupor, tolerated my nuisance
In the balmy month of August’s presence.
“You are incorrigible,” she awoke to speak,
And scratched the itch I had inflicted.
Then she kissed my hand to make me blush,
In the balmy month of August’s 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 gladioli (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 Greater Dog) rises at the same time as the sun.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
