Here's a breakdown of the poem's meaning:
The Heat: The poem opens with a stark image of "the sun's hot breath" and "the air so thick it hurts." This sets the tone for the entire poem, establishing summer as a time of oppressive heat and discomfort.
The Boredom: The speaker describes the days as "long and slow," with "nothing to do but watch the hours melt." This sense of boredom and lack of purpose is a common experience for children during the summer months.
Disillusionment: The speaker also feels a sense of disappointment and disillusionment. They contrast the "bright, carefree" summers of their childhood with the "heavy" and "empty" summers of their youth. They feel trapped by the heat and the lack of purpose.
The City: The poem also touches on the setting of the city, particularly the "cracked sidewalks" and the "noise of cars." This adds a sense of urban bleakness to the overall atmosphere.
Symbolism: The poem uses a number of symbolic elements, including:
* Sun: Represents the heat and intensity of summer, but also the oppressive nature of time.
* Hours: Represent the slow passage of time, the boredom, and the feeling of being trapped.
* Ice Cream: Represents a fleeting moment of pleasure, but also a reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness.
Theme: Overall, the poem explores the theme of disillusionment, the passage of time, and the contrast between childhood innocence and the realities of growing up. Summer is not portrayed as a carefree season of joy but as a time of boredom, discomfort, and a sense of being trapped in a cycle of repetitive days.
In essence, "Summer" by Walter Dean Myers is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the bittersweet experience of growing up and the disillusionment that can come with it.