heat

don’t go inside

it’s 3pm

hotness has only just begun

slight breeze

sun hovering

drowns out shadows 

magnifies the expanse 

blue jeans draw heat

encase the body

lull it into stupor

red glasses slide down nose

seeing now impossible 

warm wind infuses strength

cat meows

wants out

her heavy coat a death sentence 

the patio bakes

wisps of hair across forehead

limp in sweat

swelter and grow strong

ice tea melts

shoes burn feet

finally you scamper inside

a wet dishrag

devoid of power

the couch beckons

you sleep

©Karen Casady2020