~Stolen Summer~

Oranges sweet and ripe hang heavy upon the branches,
as they extend across the path.
The scent heavy, the air weighted with the dampness of the oncoming storm.

Bicycles petal quickly, the reflectors spinning,
shining wildly in the hot sun.
Quickly we ride ducking beneath the boughs,
arms outreached as we grasp the forbidden fruit.
A test of balance, of speed, of daring.

Laughter carried on the slight breeze,
which blows the drifts of spanish moss.
Sliding sideways as the dust rises,
we land clumsily upon the ground.
Our stolen bounty sweeter,
for it was secreted away.

Sitting beneath the shade of the overlapping palm fronds,
We eat them, the juice warm and sticky as it runs down our arms.

A secret between sisters.
We head home dusty, carefree, mischievous.
It shall forever cling to us,
the scent of stolen summer.