Remains of A Summer Day

What summer is all about!

Barbeque coals

lie smouldering,

the smell

of cooked meat fat

still drifts in puffs

across the now empty lawn.

 

Plastic seats and deck chairs

lie abandoned

where departing guests

rose, piled their plates

on the trestle table

and said their goodbyes.

 

Crockery and pans

are piled in the sink

and stacked

on every kitchen top.

 

Black bags bulge

with plates,

disposable cutlery,

bottles,

partly crushed

drink cans, and

food waste,

the detritus

from revellers

who only moments ago

were chatting or dancing

to summer jazz.

 

The music now stopped,

a silence hovers

like smoke

over the lawn

as the evening birds

serenade

the cool of dusk.

 

Surveying the scene

I lift a glass of

chilled prosecco

to my lips

and taste the dry wine,

savouring the bubbles.

I sigh softly with relief

and satisfaction,

and struggle to

overcome the swell

of exhaustion

as I contemplate

where to begin

the clear up.

 

08/07/19

 

Author's Note

Reviews

[Lea Sheryn]

The worst part of a party is the cleaning up. Makes one wish the party could go on forever.

[John the Baptist]

Partying is fun, cleaning up afterward, not so much. The poet paints a word picture of a good time, of friends gathering and enjoying food and drink. As he notes, it's what summer is all about. No argument on that here; we need these times to see us through the darker parts of the year. Now I have the urge to find some prosecco and see how it tastes.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hope you dug out a bottle of Prosecco, so nice on a summer day with cheese and cold cuts. In fact nice full stop as an alternative to beer and wine. Many thanks JTB.

[barleygirl]

I love how you take an unexpected perspective . . . facing clean-up . . . to convey the totality of merriment that came before. Excellent job parsing the nuances of how such moments feel, both the satisfaction of a great production, but also glad it's done, soaking in the soothing aftertones before facing clean-up. This is popping with fresh perspectives toward a recognizable summer experience (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Margie, I honestly have felt this on many occassions as have others no doubt.

[Coyote Poetry]

I need a cook-out. I been playing loner and working too much. I liked your cook-out. Best days spend with friends and the family. Thank you for sharing the wonderful days John.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I guess in the Uk that is what summer is all about as all too soon we are indoors and in winter coats. Many thanks dear poet!

[Coyote Poetry]

UK and Michigan. Same weather. Summer can go very quickly. You are welcome John.

[Chris Shaw]

We had a BBQ early evening yesterday for family. That took long enough to clear up, so if you had lots of guests I can imagine there would have been even more effort required. When you get like that you need a top up John :) I enjoyed this read, it took me to a happy place. Good morning to you.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Morning Chris, Thank you. Had a two person BBQ on Saturday and the disposable failed but recalling the summer BBQs we normally hold. Got two planned. I always clear up on the day much to my partner's annoyance lol!

[Chris Shaw]

I clear up same day too. Can't bear leaving clear ups over night. Glorious weather, hope same for you.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Nah cloudy today but as I am off to the gym and shopping after dusting not too concerned. Enjoy!

[Chris Shaw]

You too :)