Shakefrost

I understand the Autumn,
     moving slow through crackling air,
and cracking ice off of frustrations
standing shake-kneed under cares
          ...and wool caps

And I get the lamentations--
--Summer leaves
and years start sleeping
Fourteen minutes walking hunched up
     in the sweatshirts we are steeped in

But I don't get rescinded handshakes--
     I don't get the budding frowns
     which--like multi-colored leaves--
     begin to blanket on the ground
          ...those don't crunch quite so
          nicely 'neath my feet.

I get the turn of seasons--
understand slowing of streams
and kicking self for counting up the
slights we've only dreamed
           ...but...

Now, I understand vacations
     that one takes
rather than lashing
at the cause of their frustrations
     when staying away sounds smashing...
      ...and yet...
     ...they don't come back sometimes.
     ...so...

I don't understand these hearts
     or why I try to get inside.
But I understand locked fences
     and I know the cold outside.