The Last of Summer is Delight

"The last of Summer is Delight -

Deterred by Retrospect.
'Tis Ecstasy's revealed Review -
Enchantment's Syndicate.

To meet it - nameless as it is -
Without celestial Mail -
Audacious as without a Knock
To walk within the Veil."

--Emily Dickinson-- 

It's that time of year again; Summer is at its height, but relief is in sight, and it will soon be winding down.  For although the heat is still with us, the days are sinking into the horizon earlier. Gosh, time has passed quickly. It seems like only yesterday that we were all anxiously awaiting the long, leisurely days of summer, but who knew back then that the summer was going to be this hot.  We all expect it in August,  but whoever thought it would be such a record-breaking July. Never has the phrase dog days of summer held such meaning as the past few weeks.

I grew up hearing talk about the Dog Days of Summer, but who knew then that the expression actually originated with the celestial path of the brightest star of the night sky, Sirius, who just happened to be known as the Dog Star. He's been around since the beginning of time, and during the summer, he  moves into the early morning sky and rises with the sun.  Our forefathers believed that it was the star's heat added to the heat generated from the sun which created the hot and muggy weather.  Some make the  time from July 3d to August 11th, while others extend it  from July 15th to August 20fh, and others from July 24th to about September 1st.

The ancient Egyptians noted that the dog star’s arrival in July coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile, which was important for a good harvest.  The dog days were considered to be an evil time by the Romans, when disease outbreaks, natural disasters and general laziness were most prominent. When you look at it, this time of the  year just happens to coincide when the flies and mosquitoes are out in full force.

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I don't know about the rest of you, but September is beginning to look mighty good to me about now.  I have always enjoyed the first hints of fall, cool breezes, the sound of leaves under my feet.  I love the Spring and the thought of Summer entices me , but once I find myself in the throes of the dreadful heat and humidity, visions of snowstorms begin to dance in my head.  

Truth be told, I actually don't do well at this time of the year.  The heat drains me, and I am always tired.  My clothes stick to me. And I am so glad I had my hair chopped off this year.  Wash and wear is definitely the way to go.  The electric bill has gone through the roof, and still there is not much relief at home (brownouts).  And now  I've developed the heat rash from hell on my neck.  Not only does it look ugly, but it feels even uglier.  It's one of those rashes that the itch just won't go away.   I want so badly to scratch, but I know that will only make matters worse.

So, do me a favor, will you?  When Spring comes once again, and I start bemoaning how I am waiting for summer, remind me of this.  Okay?

All your renown is like the summer flower that blooms and dies; because the sunny glow which brings it forth, soon slays with parching power. - Alighieri Dante