a near-spring sonnet

one hint of spring heralds a chance reprieve
jump at the chance to be less reclusive
give chase to Sun's rays, bounding, so elusive
allow his warm-lipped kisses up my sleeve

we hum in the raw heat like black-backed flies
awaking from a stupor cold-induced
whispy-throated bird calls, i'm seduced
expose my neck, my calves, my knees, my thighs

coaxing cloth from pale limbs, leaves skin so bare
shoulders bud pink, entranced in fresh sunlight
ignore stubborn groundhog still so contrite
spring headlong into ill-bound but fair affair

fell victim to faux february heat
and clutching my hot tea, admit defeat