Summerland

August heat waves lapped against rock-foreheads 
And grew beads of exhaustion—mixing air and water
Under the sun. This week passed by the trees.

Like coral lantern boats lit—the dragonflies
Anchored their sails still, through this season
And out of this world.

The cicadas chimed in the wind as 
The branches made their sway. Men and women,
Reptilian—choked and placed right
Next to the unnerved.

Dale Chou
2003-08-28