The Heat of the Night

 

Dark with a stagnant sultry air

not a whisper of a breeze to stir

Distant sounds somehow subdued

fans whirring round in futile labour

even the crickets gasp for air

the geckos inert to conserve their energy

Mosquito nets obscure the room

sheets damp through constant perspiration

A dimmed bedside lamp attracts besottted moths

a glass of water to reach for when dry

The night is long airless and oppressive

it is a tropical night with no moon

If only rain would fall and drench all

I would run naked out of doors

embrace the cool soothing droplets

and lay on soaked grass until it stopped

The night remains long and airless

my appetite is sated and gone

How I long for a cooling breeze 

rushing through the trees to alleviate

my brow and grant me some repose

before the sun does rise and

the sun impose