Deep summer for me always evokes lush gardens, lovers strolling, lazy afternoons in the sun and shade, children laughing and playing on the beach. It brings to mind the sun-splashed, sensual paintings of Joaquin Sorolla. So when I came across Rob Stolzy’s summery and sensual haiku found on Fragments From a Different July I knew I had to pair them and share it with you.

Enjoy.

wouldn’t this perfect morning lessen
minus the laughing play sounds of out-of-view children
and wouldn’t so many mysteries resolve
in the face of her impossible kissing

~ • ~

the summer wants me
to know your flavor, love
travelling your earthly skin
beneath every dress
in your collection

~ • ~

I can never tell you
how the wild white rosebush smells
on wednesday afternoon

~ • ~

the first wild deer
I observed in sacred childhood
overcame me in waves as a gift
the one partly obscured
moving soft into leafy cover
just yesterday from a window
eludes me as to its significance

~ • ~

do you notice it, love
what’s secreted inside the sunlight’s warmth
not just temperature
but devotion and beneficence
and clarity of thought
spiritual insight and serene awakening
and even some tips about lovemaking

~ • ~

if the rain comes soon
let me endure it enough
to see how archangels think upon wetness
if the sunny breeze prevails
let me waken to see heaven
despite the myriad browns in your iris

_______RS

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My debut novel When Things Go Missing is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble. You can read more about it, including an excerpt and early reader reviews, here.