avatarSherry McGuinn

Summary

The text reflects on the loss of traditional summer experiences due to the pandemic and political climate, contrasting it with past summers filled with joy and community.

Abstract

The author, Sherry McGuinn, reminisces about the carefree summers of the past, which were characterized by leisurely activities, social gatherings, and a sense of timelessness. The current summer is marred by the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic, political turmoil, and a pervasive sense of loss. McGuinn laments the absence of the usual summer festivities, replaced by social distancing, protective gear, and the grim backdrop of illness and misinformation. Despite the somber mood, the author acknowledges the resilience symbolized by the act of writing and sharing stories, inviting readers to explore more works in "The Top Shelf" publication on Medium.

Opinions

  • The author views the current summer as a stark departure from the joyful, communal summers of the past, now overshadowed by the pandemic and political strife.
  • There is a sense of mourning for the loss of traditional summer activities and the ability to freely gather with friends and family.
  • The author expresses frustration with the current state of affairs, including the handling of the pandemic and the political environment, implied by the phrase "Trumpin’ and the death toll is high."
  • The text conveys a longing for the simplicity and pleasure of previous summers, contrasting it with the ongoing challenges of the present.
  • McGuinn appreciates the readers' engagement and encourages exploration of other stories in the same publication, suggesting a belief in the value of storytelling and literature as a means of connection and understanding during difficult times.

Poetry

The Heat of Our Plight

On mourning a season lost

Source: Unsplash

Summertime and the livin’ ain’t breezy. Folks are Trumpin’ and the death toll is high.

The summertime I remember had nothing to do with staying indoors.

Nothing to do with long days and nothing to do and nowhere to go.

Nothing to do with avoiding friends, family, and fun in the sun.

Nothing to do with face shields and hand sanitizer and manic shoppers.

Nothing to do with sickness and dying and presidential lying.

Nothing to do with the feeling that something has been irrevocably lost.

No. The summertime I remember had nothing to do with those things and everything to do with the sense that we could bottle time, like a fine wine to be opened and shared and savored.

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

I appreciate your reading. Please check out the other stories in this fine publication!

Poetry
Covid-19
Emotions
Seasons
Summertime
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