Summer in Scotland -- by Mimitig

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Mid-July, nearly Gala time
It should be hot
Sun shining
Sandcastles and swimming
Soft fruit and picnics in the forest.

Not this year, no
Rain and hail and sleet
More like November.

But we don't care
Because it's summer
So each weekend we plan for barbeques
For barefoot escapades in sodden sand dunes
We wake on Mondays disappointed and wet.

And yet there are still smiles
On all the faces, young and old
The children are on holiday from school
The grown-ups know we cannot change the days.

It is the way of things
And all the summers of our youth
Were not just hot and sultry
Rose-tinted viewing makes it so
And will do for these children now.

And when the sun comes out
We rush to paddle
Wade and get our trousers wet
Thinking - now it's warm
Tomorrow we shall swim!

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