timeless afternoon

meeting friends of thirty years

sharing memories

the bowl now licked dry

early morning walkers with

thirsty dogs passed by

a breathe of air moves

a branch scrapes against a wall

its parched leaves rustling

heatwave continues

spiders spin webs in the shade

hoping for dewdrops

sitting in the shade

watching the asphalt melting

as shadows retreat

under flowerpots

where moist creatures like to live

dry earth, empty shells

early morning wash

drips fall while butterflies dance

diamonds on their wings

the disappointment

astro-turf, dried up husks of

old cigarette butts

along this old lane

bowls sit outside garden gates

thirsty dogs lapping

butterfly alights

on my arm, long tongue probing

my skin for moisture