SUMMER SOLSTICE

Drove the famous Alaska Highway.

Road twisting and turning, done without a latte.

The route didn't go through Nebraska.

Reached our destination, Alaska.

The Summer of 1976, a new workplace,

arrived at Eielson Air Force Base.

Clocks and watches chimed bedtime,

This was Summer Solstice playtime.

The sun illuminated the baseball field.

Umbrellas opened as a shield.

Eating peanuts and ice cream,

cheered for the local team.

Closest to midnight, everyone stood.

Everything appeared to be good.

People sang the "Alaska Flag Song."

Their voices rousing and strong.

Words unknown moved our lips.

Afterwards, snacked on chips.

Under the Midnight sun,

The Alaska Goldpanners won.

Wide awake, it's after three

Kids dancing around with glee.

Unpacked boxes and made beds.

Wondering out loud, when to buy sleds?

In bed, can't sleep.

Try counting sheep.

It's not black outside.

They cried!

Summer Solstice, the sun never goes down.

There was no need to frown.

After 6 am, pulling down the blackout shades,

sang bedtime songs and accolades.

On the twenty-first of June,

Going to a baseball game was over the moon.

Author's notes: This is my entry to James & Oneg's Challenge.

Challenge #1 for James & Oneg's 2025 Summer Writing Extrav-again-Again-za:

August 4th- All Night Long - This challenge asks you to create a story or poem that spans a whole night. What happens? How do you make it through to dawn? But here’s the twist: you must not use the words “light”, “day”, “night”, or “dark”.

Thank you for tagging me, Tiffany.

Here is Tiffany Gordon's story.

Here is the original announcement for James & Oneg's 2025 Summer Writing Extrav-again-Again-za:

Thank you for the opportunity. Tagging Kelli Sheckler-Amsden!