Northeastern Lament

Winter comes heavy with his frozen hammer

Striking all who stand in his path

Once you've been touched, it becomes hard to move

As times get tighter, you're slower to laugh

Frozen kisses are placed on dry, chapped lips

Eyes and nose start to run

Wishing for somewhere that's cozy and warm

Because shoveling just isn't much fun

Sure, he looks handsome after he spreads his blanket

Frozen crystals shimmer in trees

Gone are the days of tanned legs and anklets

All bundled up for the big deep freeze

Liquid turns solid as ponds turn to ice

Hear children laughing as they skate

Slipping on sidewalks and busting your ass

The car won't start, you're going to be late

Sure there is Christmas and a New Year too

Family and eggnog all around

Shopping and fighting for parking lot spaces

To the chains of traditions, we've become bound

Winter likes to stay up here in the hills

It seems it will never leave

Just when you think that he's moving on

You're reminded of his skills to deceive

In case you can't tell, I'm not a big fan

Winter just isn't my thing

As I curse quietly through my chattering teeth

Counting down days until Spring

published by "Poetry Quarterly" 12/17