Here’s a poem I whipped up to reflect what has been going on in the past few weeks. It’s a parody of “Summertime (music by George Gershwin/lyrics by DuBose Heyward).
Summer time
and the living is busy.
The lawn needs mowing.
Weeds are growing and how!
Deer in my garden
Are devouring the veggies.
What they leave leave behind,
The woodchucks will chow.
Summer time,
And I’m feeling greasy.
It’s hot and humid
And I don’t have A/C.
Scum on our pond,
Swimmin’s out of the question.
A pool would be nice,
But my hub won’t agree.
Summertime,
And I’m achy and queasy.
Three days of fever
And a rash on my foot.
It could be Lymes,
So I’m on doxycycline.
Now I’m overheated
And nauseous to boot.
Summertime,
And the livin’ is easy.
Whoever said that,
Didn’t have to make hay.
Hundred degrees
And the sunshine is burnin’
Backbreakin’ work
As I swelter away.
Summertime,
And the living aint easy.
Bees and mosquitoes,
Nasty flies buzzing by,
And poison ivy
In the strangest places.
So call me a baby,
But I think I’ll cry.
Now don’t get me wrong. I really do love summer- light clothes and sandals, barbeques on our terrace with friends, boating, hiking, fresh fruits and veggies and flowers galore. But this year, I did get sick and the critters really are devouring my garden and we have had a beaver problem and our pond is full of scum and the weeds, oh the weeds… But I am hopeful! Feeling better now and a humane trapper is coming for the beavers on Saturday and the pond is looking clearer and I have put out all kinds of armaments in my vegetable garden – animal repellents, dried blood , tin pie pans, perfumy soaps … and it seems to be working!
So here’s to summer, Have a happy one! Xo
About the author
You know, the lazy cadence of “Summertime” has always made me feel hot just listening to it! Gershwin and Heyward knew what they were about with that one.
But YUCK for your sticky-icky summer so far! I’m glad it’s starting to look up — and you did get an adorable poem and illustration out of it.
You should put a link to this on the Poetry Friday roundup today! Just Google and you’ll find it.
(So you are on an antibiotic? And there are adverse effects? I need to be on them, but my dentist is trying to avoid putting me on them because of the heat. I don’t know what that means…but I guess you just confirmed that the two don’t mix. And yes, I look to writers’ blogs for medical advice.)
Stay cool, friend!
Hi Renee! You are not supposed to stay in the sun too long with antibiotics in the tetracycline family. I think you can burn more. So I slather on the sunscreen, wear a straw hat, pants and long sleeves when we do our haying. Other than that, as long as I take the pill with a big glass of water and drink lots of fluids during the day, I feel fine. Good luck! xo
BBF, YOU SPEAKETH THE TRUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *sob* *sniff* *scratch* *achoo*
Love your poem. It has become my anthem! I think the illustration is priceless! Hugs and smooches, bbf. Here’s to better, cooler days. Oh and we have a pool. My hubby gets why your hubby says no. (He spends his evenings, cleaning away.) But I’m grateful to him. *wink*
You are lucky, BBF- farm animals AND a pool. I need to work on my stubborn husband
Hugs to you!
I’m sad and sorry for the heat,
And medicines that have you beat.
I hope this thought will bring you cheer:
Lovely autumn will soon be here!
XO
Thank you Cathy! I love it and it made me smile
I will also be heading to Maine for the month of August where it is cooler and more relaxing. Looking forward to that! I hope you are having a lovely summer! Xo
We were in Wells and K’bunkport last week, Boothbay next week. I feel that all is right with the world when I am near that gorgeous coastline. Summer perfection. Enjoy!
Yes, so true, Cathy! Have a wonderful trip!
Oh gosh, Iza! Poor you! I hope you’re feeling better!!!!!!! Not to put too fine a point on it, but Lyme sucks!
I’ve had it 3 times. My husband thought he might have it last year and took doxycycline and had a terrible reaction to the sun even with sun screen, so you are smart to wear the hat and long sleeves etc with your fair skin! I know I’m late to comment here – I hope things are looking up by now! xo
Things are definitely looking up. Thanks Susanna!
I feel so bad for you and all your summertime troubles but I kinda love this poem! On the bright side you are feeding a whole deer family over there
Well, it looks like they are foraging elsewhere for the time being. My armaments are working!
Iza, it’s wonderful to see you turned a negative situation into something positive and beautiful.
Love the artwork!
Thanks so much Tracy!
Oh happy summer to you! I’m so sorry that its been a tumbly start, but I absolutely adore that you wrote your way through it! I hope that things look up soon – if I could I’d send you a cocktail {or two!}!