Dipping skinny-style, screaming out in glee, we entered the river to revive. Jumping away from the heated August afternoon only to return to the warm rocks and bask like turtles. Then followed hours of our rinse and repeat cycle as sunlight slid down the river. Summer freedom was its own kind of happy. Without the constraints of parents or the weight of planning for the future to come. We flew through the air trusting the pools to welcome us with a generosity that had held so many before our time. There were no thoughts of tomorrow.
bubbled free
water nymphs laze
summertide
©Ali Grimshaw 2021
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flashlight batteries - Ali Grimshaw 
Your words describe a carefree summer very aptly, Ali. They remind me of summer days where I don’t have to work and do as I please, enjoying the warmth and taking things slow – ‘bubbled free’ is a great way to describe this. I also like the image you chose to go along with your words. That water feels cool even through my screen, and the colourful koi fish gives a playful feel. The koi fish is a symbol of love and friendship, and for many of us that’s what summer can be about
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Mabel,
How wonderful to hear from you. When I took that photo I intentionally made sure to include the fish painted on the bridge. I didn’t know that it is a symbol of love and friendship. That makes it even better. There is a waterfall near this bridge with a deep pool. It is a divine place to swim on a hot day.
I am focusing on the good to balance all the challenges that we and our planet are facing right now.
I hope you are well and finding ways to fill your heart.
Ali
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It really is a great photo with the fish mural you took. Just fell into place and sets the tone of your words so nicely. Even more lovely there is a waterfall nearby.
Yes, so many challenges going on int he world right now. I am continuing blogging and writing offline, that has been keeping me going for now 💖
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Keep writing and sharing from your heart when you are called to do so.
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That poem perfectly expressed the joy I used to feel the beginning of every summer!
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Ann,
I am beyond happy to return a joyful memory to your day. Thanks for letting me know my words reached you.
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I love the alliteration and assonance you use to vividly portray this summertime scene! Well-done!
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Thank you. I really appreciate your positive feedback.
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Delightful memories of carefree days! Thanks for sharing.
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Beverly,
Glad to hear this brought back happy memories. Thanks for visiting.
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What better time to laze than during those late summer daze?
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Agreed. Our brains need break from thinking. Head to the river.
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A lovely summer poem, with delightful accompanying image. I loved that you “basked like turtles” as “sunlight slid downriver” and “there were no thoughts of tomorrow.” 🙂
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Sunra,
Thank you for reflecting back the words that most spoke to you in this poem. I appreciate it. May the sun shine on you today.
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Your haibun brings on fond memories, Ali! A blissful piece!
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Bring on the joys of summer. Thanks for reading
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My pleasure!
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Taking a dip into a river is a perfect way for people to cool off during those blissfully warm summer days. Wonderful poem, Ali 🙂 xxx
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I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this one. Swimming on a hot day is such a joy. I’m grateful for each of the beautiful rivers that I’ve been able to visit in my lifetime. Take care and have a wonderful day
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love your august poem, Ali
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Thank you Beth. I hope it brought back many happy memories.
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Oh, yes –
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This was such a playful and clever line, Ali. I really loved your haibun – I’m still smiling 🙂
Yours,
David
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A poem that brings a smile to your face is one I feel glad to have written.
Thank you, David.
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So many things we did as children but never do now. Because we can’t, the places don’t exist anymore, or because our way of seeing has changed. You’re lucky to be able to keep it all alive.
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Jane,
Was it Peter Pan who said, “I will never grown up?” Playing is part of living and swimming holes are part of August.
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If you can keep childhood geographically close, I can see how growing up can be seamless.
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“Summer freedom was its own kind of happy.”
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Tzvi, thank you for reflecting back the line that most spoke to you. I hope you are enjoying a summer day today.
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This hits so deep and I love it. Brings me back to those days of care-free summer, no worries, nothing at all. The biggest thing for me was talking to my friends and playing video games with all that free time. Good times. 😀 It brings a smile to my face when I re-read this because I’m taken back to the beauty of summer and the freedoms it promised. So beautiful and profound.
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Lucy,
It makes me smile to hear the good memories of care-free summer days came back to you with this poem. I love that a poem can presence joy especially on challenging days.
Keep sharing your poetry. Keep shining your light.
Ali
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I knowingly smile at these gorgeous words Ali ..
“only to return to the warm rocks and bask like turtles. Then followed hours of our rinse and repeat cycle “
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Thank you, Ivor. Have a great day.
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There were no thoughts of tomorrow.
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Thank you for sending my words back to me friend. I felt that freedom today as I floated in the cool waters of the river. What a blessing it was.
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My favorite poem so far of all your poems! Pure bliss!
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Valerie,
I am thrilled to provide bliss to your day. I wrote this tonight after swimming in the Washougal River today. One of my favorite August joys.
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