The last bells of the school year ring,

and pools of children pour out the front doors

of the New York City public schools

The first fire pumps of the season are uncapped,

and plentiful bursts of crisp, clean water escape

Sounds of youthful squeals and giggles

echo through the air

The hearty roars of dirtbikes and motorcycles

zooming up and down the streets

The thick air engulfs your skin in warmth

like a blanket

 

Masses of teenagers adorned with

vibrant hues, ripped denim, and

skin rich with melanin

Clouds of chalk rise into the air,

as young girls and boys decorate

the sidewalks of the Grand Concourse

The coquito man arrives just in time,

and he pushes his rumbling cart of

frozen deliciousness--

“Coco! Mango! Cherry!”

Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats

blasting from the front steps of

apartment buildings

and bodegas

 

Ruffling through your pockets,

in search of your MetroCard

Hopping onto the 4 train and gazing down

upon Jerome Ave,

as you fly through the city,

waiting to see

where you’ll end up

Sunset basketball games with

crowds of people cheering

Walking around Van Cortlandt Park

through the familiar fumes of barbecues

until nightfall, catching neon fireflies

and releasing them into the stars

Returning to your apartment,

prepared to do it all again

the very next day.