Summer Mind poem.

SUMMER MIND

Why must we match the seasons
and blend in with the trees?
Who decided long ago
we'd dress to fit the breeze?

Yellow and orange do nothing for me.
Then black comes after that.
Deep dark colors to wear on days
of rain and wool knit hats.

I'd rather stay in my summer mind.
Wear blues, hot pinks and reds.
I can live in lime green shoes and dance
through months of dread.

I'll layer up Hawaiian shirts,
put them over long sleeve tops.
And wear a pair of turquoise jeans.
My summer will never stop.

I'll carry a bag of scratchy straw
and wear a hat to match
and cover myself in a thick white coat
as the door behind me is latched.

Janet Brice Parker, 2003