Ole man Winter Bustin Thru

ole man winter bustin thru our wimpy autumnal defenses
nubby swirling capes with arms free, and smart berets soon will not cut it
where’s the dry skin cream hid?
where be the gloves, the leggings, the chap stik?
close up the windows
plastic, caulk, cover them
let no air in
line up the soups in the cupboard
empty the fuzzballs from the old boots

tomatoes sprawl rotten in the garden
yet the almighty and faddish kale

still stands tall and vigilant
the deer family roams slowly,

dressed in dark, dull coats
perusing the compost

nibbling on the tired rhododendrons

check the tires! the furnace!
the antifreeze!

ole man winter headin our way.
11/14/14