That Was Summer

by Val Harris

HGHLY COMMENDED in September 2025 Competition.

when the air sang

with the swoop of swallows

and the whoop of kids

at the end of term 

when the sky beamed

in endless blue and gold

when parks and fields raised

grass and wild flowers

and bees and butterflies

caroused around in joy

when the world was a splash

and shriek in pools and seas

the tap-tap of bat and ball

on sand and grass 

when the air held the taste

of smoky barbecues 

and friendly chatter 

in back gardens 

the dashing of swifts 

high among the clouds

and swarms of passengers

in soaring planes

when parks echoed

with picnics and playtime

and the pavements clicked

to the echoes of footsteps 

when the streets smelled

and swelled with queues for food

and all the world was walking 

and talking and beaming

that was summer

that was summer

Judge’s comments: ADVENTUROUS EXPLANATION OF THE TASK, USING LOVELY WORDS AND SOUNDS. A CELEBRATION.