SUMMER SOLSTICE 2012

First published in June 2019

I wanted a sky yellow
as marigolds, glittering
like a sexed-up firefly.

I wanted it chrome
and saffron, exploding
in daytime pyrotechnics.

I wanted sunshine and heat
and a tingling skin, bees fizzing
in scarlet poppies, blue geraniums.

I wanted to sit in the garden
wearing a floppy hat, a glass
of wine beading by my side.

No such luck - the sky is silver,
metallic with rain, grass skinkling
with crystal drops, flowers sobbing

on their stems, drama-queen fashion.