In the shadow of the mountain
Summers heat beats a slow retreat
Sunlight glints over the hazy horizon 
A whisper of wind whips at my tousled hair

Summer breezes in like forgotten childhoods
Long leisurely days full of water fights,
Melting ice creams, sunburnt skin and 
Salty, sweaty faces savouring the sweet heat 

Ice cold glasses sweat and barbecues sizzle
Laughter echoes late into the night
Gardens abuzz with chatter and charcoal
Lava lakes of red colour the shepherds sky

Thunder rolls in the distant hills
An eerie calm settles over the sweltering valley 
Lightning cracks across a dormant sky
Empty of stars and filled with warning

The first droplets of rain upon blistered, sweaty skin
Fall like angels teardrops, light and blissful
Thunder rolls and lightning cracks
Barbecues abandoned, laughter culled

The sweltering masses dart for their bakehouse homes
Where no breeze whispers to chill the heavy night
Restless sleeps and tousled blankets
Fingers of sleep teasing scorched souls