The summer heat arrives earlier than usual–
90 degrees on this late spring day
and we resist our natural urge to roam carefree

Trapped between rising temperatures and pressing humidity,
we mimic statues and toss half-murmured prayers through the dense atmosphere
begging to be turned to stone, to become hardened and cold
so we no longer suffer in stifling silence

We look to the horizon, practicing rituals to summon a cool breeze, a gentle relief
and I am here wishing that I could kiss you
and take tiny sips from your lips to quench my unrelenting thirst

But my feet are cement, heavy and ungraceful
our mouths remain closed, untouched
and we watch dark clouds fill the sky
a promising threat to the uninvited 
and the response we fools deserve.