It's the first full day of summer
The longest day of the year
The Earth has made another turn
Vacation time is finally here



We always celebrate the summer solstice
And have a cook-out for family and friends
There are things to do and places to go
Before this beautiful season ends



We'll have burgers, hot dogs and soda pop
Everything else will be pot luck
Uncle Barney is always the first to arrive
With Aunt Maddie in their rickety old truck



Although they don't have very much money
They always bring their homemade pies
The picnic tables are laden with food
Each covered dish holds a new surprise



Cars and trucks parked around the block
We've attracted a pretty big crowd
Tots in the sandbox; teens in the pool
Today, even dunking is allowed



There are games of checkers and horseshoes
People chatting and shooting the breeze
Others are playing their musical instruments
Pretty birds are singing in the trees



By nine o'clock, the party's winding down 
The misty twilight is finally falling
There is nothing on Earth as satisfying
As when family and friends come calling



The place is a mess and I'm all worn out
But I wouldn't want it any other way
The fourth of July will be here soon
They'll all be back for the holiday



Spending time with friends and family
I'm so thankful just to be alive
With the way time flies and then disappears
The winter solstice will soon arrive


Kathleen McCoy Eldridge©
June 20, 2007
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