I’m a man of extremes

from the killer cold
of long Winter nights
stinging -40 Celsius
wind chill factored in
to this
fourth day of +30 degrees
yesterday 45 with the humidex

but that’s Ottawa for ya
and me?

my body ever covered
in a slick layer of sweat
like a fish landed out of water

a walk for groceries
or rendezvous with dishes
brings the drip effect
I use up paper towels
as a cold sufferer plows through tissues

the only relief
when the sun goes down
temperature dropping...barely
a thorough shower helping...barely
then I more pass out than fall asleep
unable to do so during the day

by 7AM I’m up again
the feel of bed clothes against my skin
already unbearable
only got five hours last night

I know what you’re thinking...air conditioner
in fact have a couple of them
in this house they’re called fans

occasionally I go to a mall or favorite restaurant
to dry off
remind myself
that I’m a man of preferable in-betweens
Spring and Fall
when I’m at my best
I’d live in October all year if I could

oh the days of no insects
cool nights...crisp air
coming through an open window
cozy under a blanket
a good night’s sleep

sweet dreams!

although the Atmospheric Environment Service
is predicting a break in the balm
two or three days from now
we’ll see

but for now I weather the silent liquid storm

© 2002

1,060 hits as of March 2024

06/24/2016

Author's Note: Written at a time when I had no air conditioner.

Posted on 06/24/2016
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti