Summer is freedom,
the absence of pencils
(as well as books)
Summer is
lazy mornings
stretching like a cat
sunlight pouring like lemonade
over your cotton sheets

Summer is salty-sweet
sweat dotting your face like
dew in the morning grass,
getting the tops of your feet wet
(where the flip-flops don't cover)

Summer is running
through a sprinkler,
screaming and leaping,
stepping into
the ocean, jumping into
a pool or a lake, the water
a delicious shock when your
body hits it

Summer is dip-dyed pink
shoulders and cheeks
that fade into a soft brown
like toast,
and hair that turns light,
and arms that freckle

Summer is fireworks,
and picnics with punch
and sandwiches and egg salad,
and staying up late
just because your parents
haven't told you
you can't

Summer is freedom
Summer is salty-sweet
Summer is running
Summer is dip-dyed pink
Summer is fireworks
Summer is short
Summer is long