Vying Season

Loudest is the summer
the click and constant drone
dry heat, cracking stalks
and boisterous laughter

Shimmering on roads
and the deep, throaty roar
of blistering breeze and
unbearable sighs

She pushes warmly
honeyed eyes against
the winter winds of soft
cool air and hushed damp.

Fire crackling in brick
warmed with cloven spice
cold hands clasped
about clay and cocoa

A shudder of electric
gooseflesh, tumbled leaves
and menthol nights
in humid, scarf covered breath.