Mermaid Summer
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Summer makes me dizzy. On land: Heat slides down the backs of my thighs. Honeysuckle buds wilt into sweet syrup. I guzzle water straight from the hose & wash down turkey sandwiches sprinkled with pepper. Ice cream in the evening: the top of my mouth tastes like strawberry and fudge. Spend the day swimming, sidestepping mud pies on the dock to jump feet first into the lake.
Let’s play mermaids, even though we’ve outgrown it. Swim out past the buoy. I dare you. Touch my tail fin. Watch me dive deep. Let me perch atop the paddleboard, swing my legs over the edge, ankles brushing yours. Water laps at my mermaid waist. Touch my hand under the waves. Dry out our scales, limbs tangled on a couch, ceiling fan chasing off afternoon heat. I want to cool down, drown out the sweat. I want to stay a mermaid with you. My whole world narrows, sharpens, heaves.
