Driving on a Hot Day

 

Liquid mercury heat sheen licks

Over sizzling, crested road humps.

Driving, squint-eyed against the sun,

Surprised how shimmering mirage

Fosters forgotten memories

Of extra value days dealt out

In August daylight double length.

A teasing dare would cause me to

Kick off my cheap seaside flip-flops;

Walk barefoot on scalding tarmac,

Wincing at grit studded pavements.

I took extreme care to avoid

The desiccated islands of

Hot white biscuit crumbling dog shit

(Product of wandering mongrel).

A small tear in my yellow dress

Caused by tumble from garden wall –

Floral, turpentine after-burn

Caused by greedy consumption of

Too many Parma Violets.