Kay Brownlow is one of the Albright Poets based in Virginia. You will not find that surprising when you read her work. We should all spend some time in one of their workshops! Kay is not content to let humans bear the sufferings of summer heat alone. In this poem she spreads the experience out over the entire natural realm.
August Afternoon
By Kay Brownlow
Heat shimmers off the concrete,
stuns the senses,
makes thoughts
of action
seem absurd
this silent day.
Even an obstinate crow
who wings from
tree to tree,
protesting raucously,
soon quiets
as he gets
no answer,
no satisfaction,
when no leaf stirs
and an unforgiving sun
bleaches the world
into submission.
Kay! Your poem brings back the feel of an unbearable day in To Kill a Mocking Bird.
Your words fold into one another to make a perfect picture of the discomfort of the dog days of summer. Thank you!
Kay, this is beautiful, and appropriate for this time of year.
I love the last three lines!
Kay, I love your wonderful poem. Like the crow, I’ve protested and been angry with this unrelenting heat but doesn’t change. Your August poem says it all — perfectly. Congratulations!