It's so hot today, and
with no sign of stopping:
the corn in the fields
has taken to popping.
The buttercup’s butter
has melted away.
Sunflowers are shaking
their heads in dismay.
The birds and the bees
have abandoned the place.
Cats and dogs –
can’t be bothered,
to take up the chase.
The chickens have started
to lay boiled eggs.
Even tables and chairs
teeter,
on their last legs.
on their last legs.
The traffic policeman
is stuck to the road.
The trickle of sands through
the hour-glass: slowed.
The forecast predictions,
are lies upon lies
. . . as heat seeking missiles – take to the skies.
note: Headlines on Heat Seeking Missiles:
July 24, 2014: Israeli planes
vulnerable to missiles that downed MH17: Hezbollah, Syria have missiles like
those that hit Malaysian plane; Israeli expert warns any aircraft can be hit.
July
17, 2014: Malaysian Plane Destroyed By Heat-Seeking Missile With All 295 Passengers Dead.
June 26, 2012: Turkish Jet Was Downed By
Heat-Seeking Missile.
September
7, 2011: Heat-Seeking Missiles Are
Missing From Libyan Arms Stockpile: 20,000
Missiles have Disappeared in Libya
photo: Hot Today - W.
Bourke
© 2014 Wendy Bourke
Wendy, what a fabulous poem! And it's exactly how I'm feeling today, it was 102!! Thank you for the refreshing poem of wit and fun.:-)
ReplyDelete20,000 missiles....ugh...that is disturbing...and now, what...
ReplyDeletewas nice and over cast here today...i was on hte porch most of the morning...
Thanks, Sara and Brian. I started this poem in the spirit of the old 1950’s/60’s running joke (often seen on late night talk shows): “It’s so hot today” – to which the audience (or straight man) replies “How hot is it” and the reply is some take-off on crazy hot as in: “It’s so hot, I bought a loaf of bread at the store and by the time I got home, it was toast.”
DeleteBut, as I wrote, in the hottest predicted summer ever recorded (and I have to believe that is, at least in part, due to climate change) and in light of some of the horrendous news over the past couple of weeks. I found myself veering in the direction of black humor. These times we live in - sure makes you long for those old Jack Paar/Johnny Carson days. Sigh.
The war practitioners are always steps ahead. Whatever being used now are common place with those in the business a long time ago. It is just that it is now being made into practical use It is a pity. Great write Wendy!
ReplyDeleteHank
the last line is a reminder where we're actually living...but the chicken tale made me smile....
ReplyDeleteAnd despite the heat the missiles still manage to find a target.. Loved the humor till that last line... When the laughter got stuck
ReplyDeleteI was going to say, How charming, until…I got to your last line. Wow, you really know how to surprise us. A strong piece!
ReplyDelete