August Heat

It’s that time of the year.

The city takes a breather.

The mercury rises in the thermometer

Residents pour out to the Algarve.

Or to the nearby beaches of Cascais and Caparica.

Anywhere away from the hot dry city.

The traffic across the city moves freely

The toll booths on the 25th April Bridge are empty

You can almost feel the pavements relaxing.

Tourists trip along the cobbles of Alfama and Belem.

The cafe on the corner has shut down for the month.

Fishermen cast their lines in down at the riverside.

The national flag flutters atop the Vasco da Gama tower.

Lawnmowers hum.

Sprinklers spray fresh cool water

The smell of freshly mown grass.

The playpark is empty.

Children are bored

Parents push hats on their heads and keep them indoors

And the sun beats down

it’s August