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January 11, 2018

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Photography, Poetry

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Siren Summer

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Summer’s Siren Song

makes me long for warmth
dream of hot sunshine
on my bare arms and remember
the relief of leaf-cast shade
and lakewater teasing my ankles.

I ignore new snow’s crystal shine,
impromptu snowsculpture crafting,
rollercoastering down icy slopes
and the solace of twinkling lights
after dark along my street.

Perhaps a siren’s lure
isn’t a wind-heard song
at all but a belief
that somewhen else
is more fun than now.

Copyright 2018 Brenda Davis Harsham

Notes: Happy Poetry Friday and thanks to Jan Godown Annino at BookSeedStudio for hosting. I was think about sirens, winter discontent and my longing for summer. I found this photo I took in September. My thoughts coalesced after I read Siren Song by Margaret Atwood, excerpted here:

This is the one song everyone
would like to learn: the song
that is irresistible…..
I will tell the secret to you,
to you, only to you.
Come closer. This song
is a cry for help: Help me!
Only you, only you can,
you are unique
at last. Alas
it is a boring song
but it works every time.

45 thoughts on “Siren Summer”

  4. Winter’s talons seem to have a tight hold on us this winter. Last night I had idle thoughts of a sunrise beach visit this morning… until I realized the temperature would be about 2˚F at that time. Sigh….I so enjoyed your poem with warming thoughts of lake-teasing waters and welcome shade. Your ending made me consider how often I don’t enjoy the now because I’m wishing for the later–a good reminder to live in the present, even if it does give me goosebumps. I also enjoyed reading Atwood’s poem but honestly, it disturbed me a bit. I need to go back and read it in its entirety. Thanks, Brenda!

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  7. I read Sally’s post about the ocean and of course, it’s summer where she is, and now your celebration of summer, an “irresistible” call, Brenda. I know there’s a lot of time to wait, but perhaps reading a summer poem each week will help? Thanks!

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  8. In winter, I always try (and fail) to remember what smothering heat and humidity felt like. In summer, I can no longer remember how cold numbs my face, fingers and toes. But I think it’s good to try!

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  10. This makes me long for summer too. When I was walking the dog in less than ten degrees last week I was trying to remember being on the same walk in shorts and t-shirt. It never works….but I try! And, I really love responding to a poem with a poem. I’ve been doing that a lot lately.

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