August

Blazing days of summer's fury
Nights covered in sweat
even under the gaze
of an oscillating fan

Did the child once known as Octavian
ever think of adopting a new name
Could he have ever guessed
at the events that gave rise
to the first among equals
as he was fond of saying

Many centuries and empires later
and his name is still spoken
Remembered in the glorious days
of warmth before the gradual chill
of fall resumes it's touch on our skin

this late summer

Waves are easy
when we wish to speak
of the ephemeral nature of our lives

It is late in the summer
she punishes us
with a final heated assault

Our will withers
and we find comfort
in the smallest of ways

We crowd onto the beach
the way ants will swarm
around a piece of candy

My skin burns easily.

An Early Evening Late In The Summer

The ceiling fan blows the air

through the office as the sun

begins to set over the beach.


Cars move slow through the

avenue as an ambulance cuts

through the illusion of peace


and calm in this beach town.