This summer
I am haunted
By the ghosts of summers past. 

Echoes of waves,
Salt water drying
Sticky on my skin. 
Hammock ropes digging
Into my arms and legs. 
Showering outside-
The freedom
Of being naked outdoors
But still hidden,
Sunshine on skin that never sees it. 

Deep night in the country. 
Stars brighter than you ever expect
Insects and bullfrogs louder 
Than you ever remember
When you leave
The noise and light pollution
Of the city behind. 

Summer present is
Masks and people
Too far away to hug. 

I’ll have to wait for
Summers future
Before I’m free of ghosts again.