First Day of Summer

Walking, holding tightly onto fresh beach towels and new beach chairs.

Walking, turning the corner with the ocean finally in view.

Walking, removing my shoes as I step onto a new layer of sand.

Excitement gives me chills.

I see the ocean, twinkling with reflections of the sunlight.

I see the sand, a white colored lawn covered with people like me,

laughing with no worries.

I see the umbrellas, scattered among the beach,

representing every color of the rainbow.

I see the sun, beating down on the shore, tanning the people, warming the sea, causing the ocean to glisten.

I hear the chatter of people, forming a constant hum in my ear.

I hear the waves crashing against the shore, showing off their power

and impressive strength.

I hear the distant tune of the ice cream man (annoying but soothing),

and the excitement it causes in the kids around me.

I hear the seagulls, flapping their wings furiously trying to fight against the wind to snatch my neighbors' lunches.

The combination of these sounds creates the familiar song of summer.

I smell the salty sea air, wrapping my body in the scent of the ocean.

I smell the suntan lotion, reminding me of all my past summers,

eliciting my favorite memories.

I smell my skin, baking in the sun and slowly turning into a bronzed color.

I smell lunch, being offered by restaurants up the shore and the occasional passing hot dog vendor.

Walking, leaving an imprint of my belongings and me in the sand.

Walking, turning my back on the ocean and the setting sun.

Walking, gripping onto the sandy beach towels and chairs that hold the scent of summer.

Walking eager to go home and rest so the day can be repeated tomorrow,

starting off the sweet cycle of summer.