The Dog Days

It's called the "Dog Days", of course, because the prominent constellation right now is "Canus Major", and its major star is SIRIUS, called "The Dog Star." Also the humidity reminds me of a slobbering, panting mutt; some mornings are so still they smell like a wet dog.

But when summer comes to Chicago everyone in the city seem to say, "Hey, We've earned this, and we're gonna enjoy it." The women become all that more beautiful, and the aroma of barbecue from steel drum smokers is oh so sweet.

The annual cicadas arrived two weeks ago, with their steamrolling hissing in the afternoon. These are not the seven-year or twelve year varieties that get all the publicity (the "Dog Days" also being slow news days) although last evening they were making a unique sound like they were spinning tiny plastic tubes, creating a circular whirring sound. It is so unlike the noisemakers at the world cup.I walked home with the stars up above me and fireflies at my feet.

Yesterday was "Bastille Day" and the birthday of the first girl to even come close to returning my feelings. Although I have not seen her in many years, the languishing summer brings back memories of her.

And She was no dog!