Californ-i-a

I just wanted to recognize that California is the single best place to spend a summer.

The sun shines,
but late in the day there's these tall shadows
and the beautiful mountain wind
rushes under your arms and through your hair..
Some people go to work
other people play by the river and jump off bridges
There's desert exploring, rock-hopping, beach running
(you kick at the waves by day
and shout to their rolling constants by night)
There's endless city venturing, art, strangers
mountain packing, where the crystal air stings your lungs
and waters your eyes and heart with fresh vitality
There's long drives, road trips, vistas, flatland
and so many places to see:
Mt Diablo Tahoe, San Francisco, Santa Cruz,
San Luis Obispo, Nevada City, Bridgeport, Bishop,
Sutter Creek, Mariposa, Quincy, Lassen, Almanor,
Mammoth, Yosemite, Sequoia
Lost Coast, Blue Lake, Clear Lake, Eureka,
all of Marin, Boulder Creek, Sonoma, epic Gold Country,
hidden bridges, waterfalls, ghost towns, shopping centers,
Los Angeles, celebrities, skyscrapers, humanity,
Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Encinitas, San Diego,
oceans deserts mountains
rivers lakes and waterfalls
townships, tents, giant cities,
and everything so pretty -
I'll fill my cup always with gold and blue
California summertime, I absolutely love you.

ML