SUMMER SONG

Yesterday, I dreamt of summer again:
Of her short, delicious nights,
Listening to the crickets' song when
Sleeping 'neath starry lights.

I dreamt of shadows, long as days,
Stretching from the trees,
Dancing to the sunlight's rays
While caught upon the breeze.

I dreamt of peaches and of plums,
Glittering there like gems,
While in the distance, beating drums
Rattle at their stems.

   A spider creeps along my arm
   And tickles its fine hairs,
   Screaming silent, shrill alarms
   As it with eight eyes stares.

I dreamt of cherries and of grapes,
Both lovely summer treats.
Between my teeth, their juice escapes
While sweat drips down my cheeks;

   While sweat drips down my cheeks,
   Black bird wings spread above;
   A feather sheds as, through his beak,
   He caws in mock of love.

I dreamt of large cicadas clicking
Their noontime lullaby,
The lazy afternoon time ticking
Into an evening sigh.

   I stare into the spider's eyes
   And nigh forget my breath;
   Her fangs, hungry, twitch and rise
   Whilst I envision death.

   An ancient tree that's long since died
   Creaks and shivers with foreboding,
   And in its branches, side by side,
   Perch seven black birds crowing.

Yesterday, I dreamt of summer again,
Of all her music sweet--
   But all these dreams I've had have been
   Chimerical deceit.