Banba's Ode to Summer
(With apologies to all poets, published and un)

The sun glows bright but far away
Now does start our summer day
Lick my Momma--break of dawn
Wake up! Wake up! Let's start the morn'!

Squishy sand beneath my paws
Salty spray billows like gauze
Friends to be made way down the beach
But with this leash, they're out of reach
Momma lets go, and I am free
I run and sniff but skirt the sea
The waves crash loud and the water's ice
Chasing new friends, I pay the price

No Bath! No Bath! Don't wash my face!
It stings my eyes and feels like mace
Dry at last, nap on the porch
Sand at Noon, my paws would scorch
Evening comes and the sky glows red
We walk and feast, then go to bed

Soon dawn cracks through my sleepy eyes
But the sun is late, my how time flies
It's cold! It's cold! We must walk fast
Oh why won't summertime just last?
Few friends wait now o'er the dune
Our time to leave will come too soon
Back to the city and sidewalks and park
But now by afternoon it's dark
Quick! Inside! It's cold out here
Farewell sweet summer--until next year!