BLACKBERRY WINTER

I see blackberry  winter's here
  that very special time of year
  when thorny vine's small pure white bloom
  announces colder weather's doom 

It's cold enough to wear long sleeves
  to ward off spring's last chilly breeze
  yet warm enough up in the day
  to show the cold won't long hold sway

The flower of this lowly berry
  reminds that summer won't long tarry
  this mini-season won't last long
  so don a cloak and come along

We'll enjoy this evening's nip
  hands in each other's loving grip
  and gaze into each other's eyes
  as stars replace the crisp blue skies

As whipoorwill gives serenade
  from 'cross the pond in brushy glade
  beneath a blanket we'll start to plan
  vacation on the ocean's sand

But in the back of cozy mind
  all thoughts of winter left behind
  tiny voices, soft and sweet
  remind:next comes summer's stifling heat