Childhood summers consist of running free,

popsicles, swimming, and sleepovers.

No responsibilities and not a care in the world.

Fireworks and camp,

three glorious months of freedom.

 

Vacations to Disney World,

magical nights catching fireflies,

sunburned and freckled,

warm and happy,

loved and cared for.

 

Those summers can’t last forever though.

When high school ends and college begins,

that’s where summer becomes serious.

All the broke college kids scrambling

in the race to find a job.

 

Still kids at heart, but with grownup responsibilities.

Scholarships and interviews,

lonely days with no job,

Parents concerned and wondering,

and me with anxiety about the future.