97 Degree Beer

learning
last year
the county park
sells beer
along with their
ice cream cones
and hot dogs
was like
a religious
revelation
something
i look forward to
now
after an 8 mile walk
more than
spiritual redemption
or 
eternal salvation

today
i walked
the 8 mile trail
in 97 degree
heat
with open skies
and high
humidity

it was hell
that 8 miles
but i can tell you
that ice cold Bud
at the end of 8 miles
even at $4.25
for 16 ounces
in 97 degree heat
tasted 
like ambrosia
or carbonated platinum
or canned nirvana
compared to
the same thing
at any other price
at 72 degrees

it was hell
8 miles
in 97 degrees
but i'll take it
and be thankful
and look forward
to 97 degrees
of hell
if that's the cost
and condition
for that
97 degree
Bud
to taste like
heaven
the way it did 
today
and it will tomorrow
so long as
it's still
hot as hell
outside
and i can still
walk
for 8 miles
in it
for the simple
unpretentious 
yet robust 
pleasure
97 degree heat
returns