False Spring

[virtuoso]

A warm respite
the winter chill lags
on frost-bitten tips
a renaissance of life
on the Star Magnolia
and Cherry Dogwood
shell-shocked limbs
weave a satin veil

On barren clumps
beneath the flimsy veil
cloistered spirits rise
to initiate the rite
garlands hastily strung
May poles thrust into the ground
as sated hearts dance around
the parabola of delight
just as quickly
springs from chafed lips
the seasonal cliche
Spring has sprung

After its brief tour
the carnival ends
for on winter's coarse sinews
no fur coat can append
a clammy pall hangs
cold, arctic winds blow
the carousels spin
their light dander spills
onto the barren carpet
in mock charade guilds
a paper mache quilt
still bearing
Spring's downy scent
and dreams early spent
smitten spirits hibernate
their festive garlands splayed
riotous poles frozen