Chambréd
is so much warmer
when the temperature rises
beyond the British expectation;
the heat is pure Mediterranean.

Balloons
hang in the humidity,
proclaiming Chloe's birthday;
scaffolding becomes a party piece.

The smell
of sticky black permeates
the air conditioning while
bare-chested navvies earn their wage.

Final
searches for holiday clothes;
"Of course, we are phasing out
all of the summer wear now."