.

Summertime

The summer solstice, when it finally comes,
Begins the ebbing of the sunlit hours,
Which daily add up to decreasing sums
As passing days dim fair Apollo’s powers

Yet even so, the season’s temperatures
(as read in Celsius or Fahrenheit)
go up, which as my garden crop matures
help grow my produce in both size and weight.

A perfect time for visiting the beach;
For smelling roses, taking in the view;
For ice cream topped with raspberry or peach;
For cooking hot dogs on a barbecue.

July the 4th through Labor Day, and then,
With autumn, temperatures go down again.

.

.

James A. Tweedie is a retired pastor living in Long Beach, Washington. He has written and published six novels, one collection of short stories, and four collections of poetry including Sidekicks, Mostly Sonnets, and Laughing Matters, all with Dunecrest Press. His poems have been published nationally and internationally in both print and online media. He was honored with being chosen as the winner of the 2021 SCP International Poetry Competition.

NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets.

The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary.


Trending now:

20 Responses

  1. Roy Eugene Peterson

    For some reason I am also fixated on the summer solstice marking the ebb and flow of daylight. I notice you live in Long Beach, Washington. I lived in Everett, Washington and worked in Federal Way for about three years. I can imagine your garden growing as mine did assisted by all the rain.

    Reply
    • James A. Tweedie

      Not sure nough rain to grow a garden, I’m afraid. But the garden hose makes up the difference! It is a small garden.

      Reply
  2. Jeremiah Johnson

    “Which daily add up to decreasing sums.” Nice contrast and so well expressed.! I think Shakespeare would’ve approved 🙂

    Reply
  3. Margaret Coats

    Looks like a tasty small one, James. Hope you grow cool crisp radishes rather than hot ones. Considering your precision and the comprehensive catalog of summer in the poem, I probably don’t need to say, “Remember the watering!”

    Reply
  4. Paul A. Freeman

    Some nice touches to the everyday here. Makes me feel most nostalgic.

    Reply
  5. Cynthia Erlandson

    Delightful thoughts on the summer solstice. I am entranced by the long daylight hours, and don’t like to see them “ebbing.” Also, I like the way the garden tells us what time of year it is.

    Reply
    • James A. Tweedie

      As C.B. Would probably tell us, a garden can be a great source of wisdom—if we take the time to listen.

      Reply
  6. Cheryl Corey

    Very enjoyable. My favorite line is “As passing days dim fair Apollo’s powers” (did you forget a period at the end?). I also like the use of scientific terms – “Celsius or Fahrenheit”, and the rhyming of “view” with “barbecue”.
    My gardening efforts this year are nothing to brag about. I tried beets, radish, and peas this spring with no luck. I’ve had some luck with zucchini, cucumbers, and beans.

    Reply
    • James A. Tweedie

      As far as I’m concerned, any success in one’s garden is a great success! Congrats on all that you helped to grow!

      Reply
  7. Jeff Eardley

    Jim, we haven’t had much of a summer over here. The light is fading already. Oh where had 2024 gone. At least you managed to produce a lone radish. A most enjoyable read. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. James A. Tweedie

    Jeff, Happily that radish was the first. There have been more since—enough to garnish a good number of salads. On the plus side, wet summers are what keep England so green and beautiful. And why Wimbledon now has two roofed stadiums!

    Reply
  9. Shamik Banerjee

    How sweet! I could actually visualise you in your garden amidst new produce. Nothing more relaxing than a beach and ice cream. Thank you for sharing in your experience with us through this fun piece, Mr. Tweedie. More happiness to you and your family!

    Reply
    • James A. Tweedie

      James, I will embrace “jolly” as a high compliment! And if the picture says it all I shall have no need for the poem! lol

      Reply
  12. C.B. Anderson

    Tweedie always speaks the truth, and here he highlights what is at stake.

    Reply
  13. Daniel Kemper

    A dreamy little ditty. Quite pleasant. Even more fun when bookended with a poem I just read about July (presumably in Fla.)

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.