Changing Time

They closed my ice cream shop today. The sign says

Opening in April,

I will miss my Charlie Brown cone

It brought me much comfort all year; what will I do now

I am not crying. I am sweating

This jacket is too big

Pretty colored leaves cover the streets

Like multicolored confetti thrown

before a cold and haughty bride

I’m sure I saw that oak tree shiver.

I swear I heard it moan. The wind is cruel as it whistles

Where is the sun, who sent him home?

Instead, it just looks like impending doom

Like someone closed the windows

I miss the wren who sang at my window

from her cozy nest

She has been missing all week long

She is gone, I know. How I wish I could go.

I am not crying. I am sweating

This jacket is suffocating me

I saw a busy mouse run by with a crust of bread

I know he is gathering food for the days to come

The playground is clear, not a child in sight!

Just echoes of the children and empty slides and swings

Yes, the air is crisp and thin.

I am not crying. The air stings my eyes

I am glad I have this jacket.