We all long for summer each and every year
Our excitement heightens the more the snow disappears
The long months that we are bundled up through winter and most of the fall
It’s the most highly anticipated season that is cherished by one and all
It was once again a long spring for us here in the north
At long last, the summer has finally burst forth
The winter boots are now in storage with the mittens and gloves
Time to break out the t-shirts and shorts and enjoy this time we all love
We have just passed the equinox which is our longest day
So no need to panic because these temperatures are here to stay
We now can get out and enjoy the outdoors
Walk through the parks and along our lake shores
Probably the first summer in a while we can safely meet and greet
Instead of having to avoid all the crowds and crossing the street
I have been out as usual enjoying my daily walk
It’s so nice to be able to just stop and talk
Nothing really has prevented me from heading out
I have still been able to get out and about
I’m glad to continue and I still can’t complain
This year I have even been out in the pouring rain
So I just figured I am finally safe and able to roam wherever I please
Nothing to impair me, not even that dreaded Covid disease
I have kept up this attitude without even a care
Rising up early in the morning to take in the fresh air
This however came to a stop this past Sunday when I awoke
The room that I was sleeping in somehow smelled like smoke
I got up and walked around our space
The smell of burnt wood was all over the place
It could have been a whole lot worse in our humble hut
Thank goodness for air conditioning because all our windows were shut
Smelling isn’t exactly my greatest sense
When I put the dog out, the air was very dense
My whole neighbourhood was enveloped with this thick smoke
When it came time to let him in, it made me choke
We have been getting air quality warnings every single day
Somehow the winds just didn’t seem to blow our way
So I guess our luck finally ran out because we got hit hard
I didn’t dare venture into our back yard
It’s now early evening and this stench persists
We continue to be surrounded by this suffocating mist
They are calling for rain tonight and throughout next week
This could be the relief that these firefighters sorely seek
It’s just the first day that I have had to suffer through
If I was in their boots, I don’t know what I would do
With every drop, these firefighters will gain
Here’s hoping “Mother Nature” will let it rain
Give these heroes a reprieve from their fiery hell
This way they can enjoy their summer as well
The Black Sheep Poet 