A SUMMER NIGHT'S TAIL

The slight hint of summer's perfume
floats on the air this still dark night.
Perhaps magnolias are in bloom
across the pond near out of sight.

I inhale a deep breath of the south
along with an unseen gnat or bug
which flew right in my open mouth
as if I was an earthbound bat !

When my fit of snorts and choking's done
the bug gets washed down with iced tea.
Susan's laughing having fun
but humor somehow eludes me.

So I sit back down in the deck chair
and try regaining some dignity
turning my attention back "out there"
and smile, hoping Susan doesn't see.

And there! I see a "super moon"
so close it seems almost next door.
I hope Bob will put his pants on soon.
Male nudity is such a bore

I wonder if I have bug breath
and should I share it with my wife?
Poor bug endured an awful death.
What a way to end a life.

Next I spy a dark shape in the yard
about the size of a house cat
then squint my eyes and look real hard.
The shape's tail seems kind of fat.

Then the "cat" steps into some moonlight
just as unseen dog makes his attack
and on the shape, suddenly bright
white stripes appear on the skunk's back.

Skunk tail rises and the dog leaves
but not before he tastes the fog
which skunk released on the slight breeze.
I'm glad that I don't own that dog.

But though we neither were at fault
my love and I try not to breathe
and from our chairs we quickly vault
deciding that it's time to leave.

So in the house and slam the door!
Both of us look a bit unwell
the evening's turned from good to poor
This summer's night has gone to hell.