Michele Melcher Illustration: Spring Fever

I want to open the windows and let in all of the fresh air. I want to plant the flower beds. The stink of mulch. Fighting with the garden hose. Going out for ice cream at sunset in the 63 Merc. Motorcycle rides. The smell of the woods as you ride through them. Dilly's hamburger stand. New summer clothes. Crickets chirping at night. A breeze coming in the window while your sleeping. Grilling. Carnivals. Bumble bees on the echinacea out front. Flip flops. A stroll on the boardwalk with my honey at the seashore. The smell of fresh cut grass. July fourth fireworks. The drone of jet airliners far off in the sky when the windows are open at night. A carousel ride. Soft serve and pizza on the boardwalk. Johnson's popcorn. A kiss at the top of the ferris wheel, and white knuckles because I'm afraid the darned thing might fall apart. Nervous dry mouth waiting in line for the roller coaster. Bumper cars! Funnel cake. The heavy metal flake of the kiddie Hampton rides. Picnics. Watermelon. Daylight until 9pm. Mini golf. Spending the better part of a Sunday afternoon washing and detailing the car. Driving with the windows down. The smell rising off of the hot asphault right when it begins to rain. Tubing down the Delaware River. Bug spray. Bonfires. Spring fever.