Thoughts on a Rooftop

THOUGHTS ON A ROOFTOP

As the sun beats down

On my already browned, naked body,

The beads of sweat trickle down

My arms, my neck, and my thighs.

A breeze so cool ripples over my toes

Then up my body,

Till it touches those beads of wet

On my face and nose.

Oh how cool for a second or two,

Not long enough really,

But a breeze will do now and then.

I lie here almost asleep,

Dreamy and nice just waiting again

For the slightest murmur of air to move over me.

My hair is wet.

Oh how hot it is.

Now I have a yawn and a stretch,

I think I will turn over

Face my back to the sky,

My bare body none of it is dry.

It’s so peaceful here,

High on a rooftop.

No-one to bother me.

I have just heard the distant sound of a church bell

It chimed three times

But never mind.

An hour or two more

In this beautiful heat of the August sun.

My back is feeling all moist,

Yet another small ball of water

Rolls down my waist.

A far away radio brings music to my ears,

I don’t know if I want to listen

Or be half asleep –pretend not to hear.

Breezes breezes, how lovely,

But now I am asleep, really asleep.

Maria - 8^th August 1975