The Pool

The shadows hide around corners and sneak under doors
The mere idea of light scares them off.
They slither away as fast as they came

With the sunset, the heat does not stray.
It crawls into our very pores and curls up, sucking out all moisture and life.
Motivation
to do anything
vanishes as quick as the dew
Glinting,
Flashing, for a moment and then gone.
It is pushed away with the idea of cold lemonade and heat-heavy dreams

The air is so dry it nearly scratches our throats out.
Each molecule is laden with heat and the night settles
heavy as a wool blanket,
but not nearly as comforting.

We wish we could pant,
like the dog lying spread-eagle in that rare patch of shade
because sweating is not enough.
Sweating does not save us from this heat.  It seems to make it worse.

The only relief would be
a crisp
clear
swan dive
into the deep end of the pool

Where you disappear,
safe and saved,
cool
and cold
and refreshed,
a speck at the bottom of the pool.