Sacred days of Summer

Water fights, water parks. Collapsed canoe; neoprene, cold skin.

Fresh water, sea water, fresh water.

Kilos of ice cream. Never ending rounds of chargrilled meats.

Swirling smoke of fire singling out YOU to be chased around the seated circle of friends.

Abandonment of usual rules in the name of late evening light; offering up laughter and camaraderie at the altar of estival celebration.

BBQ, BBQ, BBQ.

Treasure hunting woodland walks, exulted deer skull finds, ancient buried bottles unearthed by adventuring boys.

Sticks for hunting.

Sticks for marshmallow toasting.

Sticks for burning.

Sticks for ninjas.

Stick through the eye for the queasy deer skull transporter!

Sunshine and suncream; sun-kissed and builder’s tan.

Old friends, new friends, The FAMULY.

Thrill of London buzz and the comforting cockney accents of former hoods.

Lazy strolls through homeward meadow lands, resplendent in green, bursting with life.

Inter-generational CHAOS TAG heart pound. Fiercely contested Swing Ball tournaments. Favourite home made pud.

Chilled beers, astringent ciders, APEROL, dark coffees to kick start morning motors.

The blessed haven of a family home with a doting Mum and Dad still in it.

Time to rest, time to play, converse and connect. To see the face of a loved one close up, a fond, familiar gait. Spending time together, in the flesh. Full body hugs, man!

As our axis tilts towards the sun, I’ll always get high and wired on this summer time vibe. But now the warmth, light and love are seeping through to our grateful bones after the dark gloom of winter lockdown.

Simply being able to be with so many dear, beautiful souls that mean so much has been exceptional and….unprecedented.