Reluctant in Spring

That bully, Summer,
is pushing a gentle
and hesitant Spring
to step into Winter's
frozen shoes.
Her feet are dainty yet
and lost
in the bear-hug of
misty mornings and
foggy nights.

He's making the days longer
this pushy youth, Summer,
has stolen the thrill
of being wrapped in
fleece stoles
on red-nosed mornings.
The cognac's too warm
the snug quilts too thick
and we all can't
snuggle in a heap by
one large laughing fire.

The tender red buds
on neighbourhood trees
are starting
their sweet seduction
and soon
this heady Summer babe
will enthrall and enchant.

I hold on tightly to the
fleeting Winter-Hug
standing in colourful
knitted socks
clutching a crochet cape,
not ready yet
to fling open the doors
to that flamboyant
and wicked Summer boy.

Yet I peep through the window
and sniff the new scent
of another year's
fresh Springtime.

(c) Anita Vasudeva. Feb '05