Salty water makes the mosquito bites sting
as the tide rolls out on the sand.
Ankles doused, the cool sea welcoming
While the hot sun beats down on the land.
The smell of smoke acrid, the loss of daylight,
a bonfire lit up by laughter and flame,
As friends from all over gather ‘round late at night
the humid air a contrast to last night’s warm rain.
We say goodbye to exams and homework,
Pack up our apartments and dorm rooms in haste.
Reduce the amount of coffee we’ve had to perk
Because eight A.M. classes no longer need to be faced.
The stickiness of ice pops melting from the sun,
the smell of Banana Boat lotion on skin,
the last-minute road trips and boardwalk fun,
And the seashells that align the ocean.
These gentle reminders that the school year is over
And that calmness can finally set in,
Paired with the idea that we can recover;
A reminder that summer’s began.
(GIPHY)