An unprecedented heatwave (probably due to climate change and attributed to winds blowing hot air up from north Africa and the Sahara) has been making its scorching, record breaking 40+ degrees centigrade š„š„µ way across the UK.
Itās been hard without the benefit of air conditioning. The high temperatures have had devastating effects countrywide, exacerbated health problems, taken lives, and initiated fires on our tinder-dry, rain-deprived land and properties.
Weāre so unused to temperatures like this, and ill prepared. So as I wilt and melt faster than an iced lollipop, while we sit closer to our two rather feeble fans, I remember another sultry summer and how it led to a spectacular thunderstorm.
It was just before I became badly afflicted by M.E and chronic illness, and when our boys were small and could amuse themselves for hours making sandcastles. I hope the poem below provides some light relief for you, tooā¦ ā±šš©±šāļø
Exodus Darkened clouds rolled in from the coast, hanging heavy as a canopy over the beach, encroaching on the sun's rays, obliterating heat. Thick drops began to fall, as we scrambled to gather our belongings, while people shrieked playfully, and others emerged swiftly from the sea. Towels became raincoats and hats. Exiting became our best option, though we were way too far from the safe cocoon of our parked car. Clutching children and buckets and spades and all, the paraphernalia of a day at the beach, we giggled and ran, like drowned rats, drenched beyond belief. Shivering and sheltering under trees, saturated but strangely happy, we watched rainfall morph into a barrage of hail, while lightning prevailed. We were struck. Not by lightning, thankfully, but by the way forces of nature were pitted against one another in a battle of the elements. Sheets of rain cascaded, followed by sharp stones of hail, while thunder raged and electrical forks zig-zagged and streaked across it all. The heat of the day dissipated under this onslaught. And then there was a lull. We ran for our car, like prisoners released on bail. And as we sat inside, trying to get dry, we knew we would never forget the spectacular sight of a summer storm turning day to night. Ā© joylenton
This summer is proving to be far too hot for serious thought which is why Iām sharing these memoir style posts about my childhood or later on. Normal service will be resumed in due course! Meanwhile, do let me know if you are enjoying this kind of post. x šā¤ļø
Poetry Joy 