Today is the first day of Summer. Summer is the warmest season of the year when the sun shines directly on one half of the world. Summer in the Northern hemisphere begins on 21 June – the date of the summer solstice. It ends on 20 September, the date of the autumnal equinox. Usually, July and August are the hottest months of the summer season. Crops, trees, and other plants reach their full maturity in summer.

When the sun is high over the Northern hemisphere, it is low in the Southern hemisphere. The warmest months in the United States are the coldest months in Australia, and in the southern part of the South America and Africa. The growing season of Australia and Argentina is during the months of December, January and February. These months compare with June, July, and August in the Northern hemisphere.

Dreaming of Summer

I’m dreaming of warm sandy beaches.

I’m dreaming of days by the pool.

I’m dreaming of fun in the afternoon sun,

and week after week of no school.

I’m thinking of swim suits and sprinklers,

imagining lemonade stands.

I’m lost in a daydream of ice cream

and plenty of time on my hands.

I’m picturing baseball and hot dogs,

Envisioning games at the park,

and how it stays light until late every night,

and seems like it never gets dark.

I long to ride skateboards and scooters.

I want to wear t-shirts and shorts.

I’d go for a hike, or I’d ride on my bike,

or play lots of summertime sports.

By Kenn Nesbitt