There was always that small wind chime

hanging above your door,

swinging with every breath of wind

A beat of the melody of summer

It shimmered when the sun beat down

piercing the shade and burning

our skin, prickling like needles

We all got sunburns like bright red welts

Against flesh, cool nights felt like heaven

ice without the numbing of pain

Callused hands and darkened brows

like the straw hats you made us wear,

darkening our faces and blocking the rays,

the damp towel on your neck dripping

There was always that small wind chime

hanging above your door,

swinging with every breath of wind

A beat of the melody of summer

Drums in the distance dulled the ears

ringing like a beating of the drying bedding

the light of the bonfires inviting us

You took us by the hands and we crossed

the tall temple gates, brilliant red orange

regal in the night air, the hushed mutterings

of mosquitoes, remnants of the day's heat

hovering like cloaks of mist

Buried in the colorful patterns

of numerous food stands, the smells

everywhere, you softly smiled,

your features creasing into rivers

There was always that small wind chime

hanging above your door,

swinging with every breath of wind

A beat of the melody of summer