October's bougainvillea

The bougainvillea blooms away along the white picket fence in the front garden 

in vibrant bright oranges and hot pinks. 

It's as if it doesn't know that October has arrived.

I continually remind myself that seasons are different here. 

Frost won't come until December. 

The sun-loving bougainvillea 

will continue to stretch its branches and blooms skyward 

until the first frosty night arrives months of now.

Between now and then

I will imagine I'm living in a tropical paradise

that never sees winter.