Atlantic City Summers

Sun and fun and stuff

Ice cream and ices, ice cream and ices
Get your fudgywugies here is screamed
Heard clear emerging from the tunnels
Under the boardwalks promenade shadows 
Loud and clear come good humor men in white
Ridiculous in their black shoes heavy like iron
Trudging through hot sand like mad men
Hunched over with the weight of Summer
Ready to huckster the kiddies for money
Already waiting with quarters in hand 

Radios dial up Beatles for transistor sisters souls
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band plays on
Over sounds of ocean spray and cozy blankets

The surface of the sun smiles on happy afternoons
Cones melt chocolate droplets on wet bathing suits
Blue lips of children, their bodies shiver, after a dip
They toss peanuts at pigeons who leave droppings
As presents after target practice then continue cooing

Colorful kites fly with the seagulls and dollars
Waved to entice those who come out from the shadows
Sun lotions and potions of peace and love sold at a price
Not always a bargain

Pretty tan girls in stunning string things
Left to the imagination as clothing
Dotted bikinis in yellows and pinks on parade
Follow life guards into the surf for protection
Held together by muscles and love

Not only tides wave good-bye to Summer
Mobsters wear concrete shoes for a dip
Smoke their last cigarette before “falling in”
Go for a swim with the fishies
Sink to the depths of the city

Author's Note

Atlantic City NJ was once called "The Playground of the world." I was born and raised there. It was fun and sun and stuff.