The temperature’s rising. The sun’s blazing hot.

When I sit in the shade, I won’t budge from the spot,

There is, though, one thing that can get me unstuck,

It’s the musical sound of a Good Humor truck.

Where tinkles and jingles break barriers of sound,

And all hear it with joy as it’s driving around.

Each boy and each girl, who is near or who’s far

Responds to the call of a creamsicle bar.

Ice cream on a stick is a heaven-sent treat.

From blistering heat, it’s a perfect retreat.

It melts on the tongue like a mouthful of bliss.

Poetically stated: “It’s summer’s first kiss!”

But there’s much more to summer than ice-cream on wheels

If you know where to look, there are dozens of deals

It is sold by the quart, or in dishes and cones,

To be eaten with friends, or just savored alone.

You can have maple walnut or caramel chew,

Unless mint chocolate chip is calling to you.

Try key lime pie or pink lemonade ice.

Butter brickle and coffee might also be nice.

There are smooshies and sundaes; there’s hot syrup, too,

Topped with whipped cream and cherries … a heavenly goo.

And forget not the sprinkles … a messy delight.

Sticky mouth, sticky fingers, make everything right.

It takes not a Sherlock (or other smart sleuth)

To confirm that this treat is a fountain of youth.

So as temperatures rise, our best protocol

Is to surrender (completely!) to ice cream’s sweet call.

Copyright © Shelly Reuben, 2025. Shelly Reuben’s books have been nominated for Edgar, Prometheus, and Falcon awards. For more about her writing, vibasit www.shellyreuben.com