UNSAVED SUMMERS

The western horizon was always blue –

That mountain range and the sky that glistened,

Brightened by the constant sun of summer –

I tuned to the top forty and listened.

Beatles, Beach Boys, Stones and one hit wonders –

Sounds never heard before on the vague fringe

Of a city yet to spurn courtesy –

Somehow better for its cultural cringe.

When evening’s heat climaxed in sunset’s bliss,

We gathered for dinner – red meat, two veg –

No daft daylight saving then to demand

That we push fiery heatwaves to the edge.

There was humility then, feeding us,

Now there’s our misplaced pride, misleading us.