Our writing group involves a hostess provided prompt for which we spend 5 minutes constructing a short essay, then reading it aloud afterward. I chose the simple, yet perfectly timed- The Sounds of Summer.

"There are few seasons which can boast such a joyous cacophony of sounds as Summer. The screen door slamming as bronze bodies return from a day at the lake. Giggles heard as fully dressed children run through a lawn sprinkler having been warned not to get wet but but secretly hoping for a cooling drench. The ice cream truck's familiar Turkey in the Straw announcing the need to beg one's parents for spare change to buy a Rocket Pop that then causes one to emit slurping noises only permitted outdoors. The long day ends with the hum of a fan easing the Summer heat as one lays, uncovered on the bed, hoping to be lulled to sleep so tomorrow arrives sooner."