it's a frigid fifty out in Texas

it's a frigid fifty

out in Texas, a steady

wind woebegone

to the denizens of palm

trees and roadside cactii

the topic of water-cooler

chat today lies in cardigans,

hoodies and argyle sweaters

but being a New England boy

from the beach i want my nose

to burn, my arms to tingle

and my cheeks to sting.

i'd like for someone to tell me

all the law of absolutes

for a chilly night

it's a frigid fifty out

in the State of Texas.