midsummer

Days are very slow.

By midday, the heat becomes intense. Work is done in shorter stretches, windows stay closed, and the hours pass slowly.

But early mornings are different.

The grass is still damp from the previous evening’s watering. Birds arrive before the heat, hopping across the lawn while I drink my coffee.  Soon, they disappear into the dense leaves. During the day only sparrows seem to stay around. I’m never quite sure if others are hiding in the shade or simply spending their days elsewhere until the evening.

Only butterflies are unbothered. My neighbor’s lavender is the busiest place in the garden these days, humming with insects the whole day.

Past weeks have been very hot. With temperatures reaching 40°C, even the garden seems to pause. Flowers are struggling. They bloom sparingly this year, waiting patiently for fresher days.

As darkness falls, another chorus begins. Crickets and frogs take over where the birds left off.

Evenings are for watering thirsty plants.

For looking up at night skies.

For observing the fireflies at dusk.

This is how my longest summer days look.