Winter (I)

The winter comes too soon
though we tell each other
it's right on time
hoping our lie
will slow time
and show the gods
we are ready
and unafraid
of whatever comes our way

As the gods of time
eat our children
we dare not start to cry
that's how floods start

"The days are long, and
the years are short"
that's what they told me
when I tried to stay awake
as my son
crawled naked on the floor
in the sunlight
Now
he drives a red car and plays football,
thinks of college

My day's are numbered
My mother is dead
Winter is already here

What rule am I breaking
to be so full of life?