Gilbert Allen

But

I'm used to crocuses
capturing winter sun
but now, it's the earliest
daffodils—tête-à-têtes

not just showing their heads
but blooming in this new era
of hapless, incongruous heat
broken perforce by pipe-busting

nights. But my tulips still hold
their green, unturbaned peace
for the moment—waiting
till at least February

to tell me Hats off to Spring!
before it's even started.