Private Weather

Unpredictable, my private weather

brings me fits of chills and flares of heat,

storms of rain and thunder-growling temper.

Nighttime season-shift: my icy feet

now kick the covers off and gasp for air

because they’re drowned in sweat. A pleasant change

from always wearing sweaters everywhere—

but makes me find myself a little strange.

I know what’s causing it: the silver streaks

that frame my temples, spreading spots on backs

of hands, the wrinkles falling round my neck.

This is a tranquil time, in most respects,

but just to keep me guessing (I suspect)

there’s personal climate-change in effect.

Available! High-Voltage Lines, Knocking from Inside