For July-lovers

Ahoy! The joy that thwarts life’s hunger-pangs for what is not

Is July-colored, darling; spilling from clay flower-pots

And winding beneath blue sky promises fulfilled; earth’s seams

Brimming with faith’s unfolded wings where hope of harvest beams

Ho-ho! The woe we know too well wears pretty pink, my dear

The happiness we dreamed about when winter howled is here

The jars that harbour flower-stars and cricket-songs and such

Tip and begin to pour the grin of Heaven through our touch

Aha! The law of love lavishes lanes with chamomile

The awe of nature’s treasure trove refurbishes our smile

Where we are all too willing to be beguiled without guilt

Ere petals strew the path with aftermath of season spilt

Hooray! Today we traipse the thoroughfare of green-gold-tan

A gallery of masterpieces charms the bare-foot fan

Where Queen Ann’s lace and chicory and vine-embellished clime

Tickles the lea with sweet July in good, old summertime

© Janet Martin