As this is written here on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri, it is late August, the “Dog Days of Summer”, 103F degrees outside in the full afternoon sunshine, and a withering heat index of 117.
Whoa. That’s hot, by any stretch of the imagination or thermometer.
Squirrels are flared out flat as a pancake, cooling their bellies on shaded concrete. Birds are eerily silent and panting in the trees.
It is simply “Hot!”, and the August heat wave we are experiencing reminded me of a poem by Shel Silverstein, from his book of poems and drawings — “A Light in the Attic.”
The poem appropriately titled — “It’s Hot”, is reprinted below.
“IT’S HOT”
by Shel Silverstein
It’s hot!
I can’t get cool,
I’ve drunk a quart of lemonade.
I think I’ll take my shoes off
And sit around in the shade.
It’s hot!
My back is sticky.
The sweat rolls down my chin.
I think I’ll take my clothes off
And sit around in my skin.
It’s hot!
I’ve tried with ’lectric fans,
And pools and ice cream cones.
I think I’ll take my skin off
And sit around in my bones.
It’s still hot!
Humor aside, many areas of the country are and have been experiencing dangerous heat levels this summer. This stretch of combined excessively high heat and humidity is unprecedented for this area, especially given the duration. Please take the necessary steps to keep yourself, your family, your loved
ones, and your pets safe.
If you must work or be outside for any length of time, please remember to wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, take frequent cooling breaks, drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged, direct sun exposure as much as possible in the afternoons.
The duration of this extreme heat means that conditions become progressively more dangerous each day for everyone, especially for the elderly, the very young, pets, and those exposed to the heat for extended periods outdoors, or even indoors without proper cooling. Again, Children, Seniors, and Pets are especially vulnerable to high heat. It is important to remember that in times such as this, the impacts of excessive heat can be CUMULATIVE, making it all more insufferable and dangerous the longer it goes on.
Heat Stroke is a life-threatening emergency with possible life-long, and life-threatening effects. Be smart, know the signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, be careful, and stay safe.
As anyone who knows me well is aware, I do love the change of seasons here in the Midwest on the outskirts of St. Louis, Missouri, and try my best to appreciate each
season and its unique beauty. But, for various health reasons, I do not handle the heat and humidity of Summer very well anymore.
So, taking liberties and having a little fun with William Shakespeare, I offer the following little ditty, inspired by the William Shakespeare page on Facebook several years ago —
“Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s day? Okay, fine then. Since thou asketh — Thou art a sticky, bug-infested, sweat-stained, and uncomfortable mess that seemest to go on insufferably without end. Art thou happy now?”
“Thank You!” for dropping by to visit! Please take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your pets during these prolonged summer heat waves. Hang in there with me — Autumn is coming soon! And as always, please remember — Kindness Matters!
Best Wishes & Blessings! — Jim (and Red!) 🤠 🐻
With children and grandchildren around (and for those of any age who like to color!), we invite you to visit “LITTLE RED BEAR’S ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ COLORING PAGES” for hours of family coloring fun and time together!
If you enjoyed this piece, you may also like — “I Will Greet This Day With Love In My Heart” and “Wishing You Deep Peace, Love, Happiness, and Joy – And A Very Good Day!”
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“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” – Sam Keen
(It’s Hot – Poem & Drawing by Shel Silverstein)
“Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me, those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” – Henry James
Meet Little Red Bear & His Friends — “Once Upon A Time In A Very Special Woods . . . .”
“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.” – Kellie Elmore
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“Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape…” — Harper Lee
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James Milson - The Writing Pages 