Missing the Fall

It's late Fall and people are wearing shorts and t-shirts

Because they live in California

I am in long tights and a warm jacket

Missing the real autumn in the East Coast

Where it would be cool and crisp and colorful

But not the snow

After five years, I see that was not a good enough reason to uproot myself

Where I am the alien

Bundled up

While the girl pushing her little dog in a stroller on the sidewalk in front of me

Sports yellow orange hair like the leaves that should be on the trees,

Multiple nose rings that make me sneeze

Just imagining the constant irritation

And full tattoo sleeves on both arms

I was never any kind of conservative, but I don’t fit in here

Or anywhere

Where could I go?

I’m too old for the world today

Embracing 30-somethings

And excluding anyone with a lifetime of wisdom

Logan’s Run in real time

I hate this place

The concrete freeways,

Surrounded by dull brown barren mountains

Teslas swerving and speeding around me to get somewhere first

I just want to go home