Dear June by Kay Ward

The Poetry Archive Now! WordView 2024 Entry
Poet’s Biography
I'm an English teacher. I love literature. I'm 41. I'm a mother. I believe poetry helps us find a voice and uncover who we really are. I live in Malin Head, a beautiful and rugged landscape full of inspirational scenes and people.
Poem Description / Inspiration
The month of June, sound bites from my daily interactions, my despair at the gruelling greyness of this month and my urge to address the weather directly like Lear and ask reason of it.
Poem Text
Dear June,
Perhaps you're going through something?
and you're a little off your game?
but what season have you come as?
and can we expect more of the same?
just a little heads up as our
summer wardrobes gather dust-
sandals lie, unworn and
warm socks are still a must!
on route to the shop this morning,
thought we saw a patch of blue
but it turned out to be an illusion-
that part was just grey too,
the rain patters on the windscreen,
while the wind blows just as cold-
perhaps you're simply holding out?
but this is really getting old!
the inclemency of recent days,
didn't worry us much until-
Leaving and Junior Cert over
and no sign of exam weather still!
so like Lear, we'll address the elements
and ask reason of it hence:
“So come on June, get a grip!
let's feel the heat of sense!
we're tired of drying indoor laundry,
our “ESB” is through the roof!
our teenagers lack vitamin D
(like vampires if you need proof )
bar be ques stand ready
but it's just too dull to try,
our beaches are deserted-
it’s enough to make ice-cream men cry!
So dear June, what is the issue?
your reason for relentless rain-
because soon, there'll be no one left to protest-
when we've all given up and moved to Spain!”
17th June 2024
(This poet sincerely hopes that by the time this goes to print,
June will have had a good look at itself and
the subject matter shall be obsolete)