June 8th, 2015
Blistering heat; temperatures have risen almost thirty degrees in one and a half days.
The donkeys stay in their shady stall or stand under the narrow slice of cover caused by the barn’s high walls. Eyes soft focus, ears flick; heat swirls. Too much coarse winter fur remains on their backs. Playing it slow; yet, pretty much at ease in this heat.
Songbirds pant.
The domestic pigeons look fresh. Snow white, muzzle-soft gentle-doves. The first-year birds have big dark eyes.
Three white Fireball roller pigeons lay on the landing platform of their loft; their wings outstretched like basking Turkey Vultures or Cormorants. But, unlike vultures that stand for the sun, pigeons like to lie and tip their bodies over to one side when they sunbathe. Off-kilter these innocent feathered angels soak in heavenly heat.
This heat shatters red daylilies. Their deep color is bled out and the fabric of each petal is tissue thin—almost translucent, and the blooms are dying though it has only been five hours since they opened.
Red daylilies often do best with afternoon shade, so I’m not entirely surprised these are suffering. But, it is pure heat that explains the pitiful, stressed condition of the first pink daylily bloom this season.
Pink, yellow, and white blooms usually hold up so well in heat. But, today’s temperature at the farm is extreme—107.
Author’s Note: To hear an audio version of this diary entry, click here. Diary: Blistering Heat
Beautiful images! And I loved saving the actual temp till the last thing!
Beautiful images! And I loved saving the actual temp till the last thing! Hi Mary– I am glad that worked. 🙂
Oh, Sher, you write *beautifully*… such exquisitely carefully chosen words.
Oh, Sher, you write *beautifully*… such exquisitely carefully chosen words.
Thanks Reggie- I am really interested in short form writing, and I’m trying to explore that form more. Last year I read a diary written by William Wordsworth’s (the famous poet) sister, and I realized if you read many short, shorts over many days that a beautiful portrait emerges depicting daily life. Life comprising so many moments as ours is. Anyway, it’s a style I’m playing with. Thanks for commenting.
107 is blistering! Love hearing your voice with the tick-tock sound of your clock in the background.
Miss you!
107 is blistering! Love hearing your voice with the tick-tock sound of your clock in the background.
Miss you!
Hi Deb! When I lived in Southeast, I could not even imagine 107! And, here I am in it! I have been thinking about you too- especially the last few days. Will try and call you tonight. Sher p.s. thanks for listening to the audio.