Our feet pounded on the hot asphalt,
Heated by the summer sun.
The pads of our feet were calloused
From the abuse of the cracked concrete.
The soles were blackened with grime
That the night bath would wash away.
The humid air never lacked mosquitos
And the shrill screams of children at play.
Neighborhood dogs gave chase,
Their padded paws pacing after youths.
Sweat glistened on skin,
With a sweep over the upper lip
The tang of salt stung the tongue.
Eyes were alight with the fever of freedom,
There were no restrictions to the street -
From the large hill to the cul-de-sac -
That was our domain.
Our cheeks were flushed with exertion,
Our skin stained red from the southern sun.
We were the children of summer,
But we grew up
And the heat washed away.
