out on a limb

biking home last night through the trees and the magical cold air now blowing in, i knew i had to address the season.....

out on a limb

it's nice sitting up here
no one bothers us
we get to sing, dance
have a nice chat
no one nagging
no one begging
no one bitching

and such a view!
we can snuggle
stay warm and cozy
make love
rub elbows
flap our arms
wag our tails
toss our cookies
tip our hats
none of the tit for tat
that flogs the minds of most
no one minds if we get on with our neighbors
most mortals simply gaze
some even take pictures
and share 'em with their friends
in books neatly squared
orderly labeled under sheets of plastic

and the breeze!
it clears the fog like nothing else
no need for caffeine in these limbs
the clouds wave Hi on their way by
the wind in our sails
perks us up
so reassuring to stand so tall
on top of the world...

but then...

off goes that prissy bitch, so full of her bright shiny self
usually so warm and charming
decides she wants more time to herself
calls it beauty rest
works shorter days
says she's thinking things through
needs to spend time with relatives down south

and before you know it
things get quite chilly round here

we unpack our scarves
and big old worn mittens
huddle together to keep warm
but still we yellow with the chill
which rattles our bones

we stuff that old towel under the window
the blood boils red for a while
we twist to and fro angrily
struggle to hang on
and finally mellow
into a drab color
of brown, beige and rusty acceptance

and then...

oh shit!
the inevitable
cold, damp wind
finally comes
and takes us...

some defy for a while
but then falling
spinning
we drift down
unraveled
no more encumbered
by the desire
to hang on

they still take pictures of us
though not as many
we still crouch together
but it's not the same
soft and airy
carefree, wondrous feeling

now we're wary of getting stepped on
or picked up, brought home,
and pressed under a thin
sheet of damn plastic