Snubbed

Snubbed

December 27th —
it is winter,
at least
that is what the calendar says.

The sun is out,
illuminating the Earth and the sky.

But this time,
the heat of the sunrays
feels different,
because winter decided
to take the back seat.

People walk the streets
without heavy coats.

Convertibles ride open
down the highway.

Sixty-seven degrees
in this North Carolina town.

Officially,
it is winter,
but winter decided
not to lead.

Trees stand
greenless, leafless,
seemingly dead.

The death-like desolation
so characteristic of cold weather
can still be felt.

It is winter by name,
but winter is somewhere else
than here.