Dog days are here

Hottest time of the year, they say.

The heat and humidity can be miserable,

Especially for those who toil out in the sun.

But for boys, dogs and old men,

Dog days of the past were not only tolerable, but special:

Country boys sought out cool mountain brooks

To wade… build dams… catch fish and frogs,

And the dogs would join them.

Other times, dogs sought shade and cool dirt

Under a porch or in a crawl space under a shed or a barn,

And the boys would join them.

Old men would move their loafers’ bench

To the shady side of the general store.

On hot afternoons, they’d head for the sun-warmed river

To wade wet and fish for smallmouth bass.

Boys and dogs would go along with them.

I remember those dog days fondly

As my life circle is closing;

I’m now an old man… a grandpa.

Dog days are upon us once again;

It’s hot… the river is low and warm.

I think I’ll gather up the boys

And go fishing!