a hot summer

Working outside all day

finally home tired and weary

time to relax and unwind

slowly opening the fridge door

fully stacked with cold beer

reaching for his favorite

gazing at the label like a long lost friend

the ice cold bottle melting the sweat from his hand

unscrewing the top like champ

that whooshing sound is music to his ears

wakening his anticipating taste buds

lifting the bottle to drink

catching the sweet smell of the beer

instantly recognizing that aroma

old memories flashing across his mind

as the bottle met his lips

thoughts of sweet kisses from his first love

the cold beer flooding his mouth

cooling his baked neck from within

sinking half the bottle in one go

slumping into a porch chair

catching a breath of the hot humid air

his closing eyes instantly raising the theater curtain in his mind

seeing again the birth of his first child

watching him playing outside

teaching him to ride a bike

taking him on fishing trips

more thoughts of his young son flashed in

hearing young running footsteps approaching

the theater curtain in his mind closing as he opens his eyes

the young boy beamed I missed you grandpa