It’s Awfully Hot

 

 

It is awfully hot

In this country of ours

And to make it cooler than at present

I have no such power.

 

Here I am sitting

With three fans on me

But I am still feeling uncomfortable

And full of lethargy.

 

It’s not me to complain,

I am just stating the fact

And bear in mind I am sitting here

With no shirt on my back.

 

To move from here

Will take determination

And right now, let me say most clearly,

This is not my intention.

 

For to move from here

Is to use up precious energy

That the heat has already sapped

From out of me.

 

I am grateful, though

That I am here in the shade

For were not for the roof above me,

Nothing would avail.

 

I am thankful also

For this open window

Through which there a light breeze

That constantly blows.

 

I had to share with you

The almost forgotten side

For while as I said, it is awfully hot,

The good I must not hide.

 

Three fans, I have stated

And two open windows

Through which I have mentioned.

A slight wind blows.

  

I am sorry for you

Who are traversing the street

And for workers on metallic roofs

It cannot be sweet.

 

 

 

Do rehydrate often

Not with water too cold

And in the event of a fainting spell

There’s something to hold.

 

It’s a good way down

From the roof to the ground

And do remember there is a family

Who wants you around.

 

It is awfully hot

But you are still alive

Whereas the dead cannot tell

Having not survived.

 

 

 

Let’s give thanks for the sun

However hot

And let us look forward to the time

When temperatures drop.

 

Stewart Russell © September 28, 2025