Cuffing Season

The frigid weather affecting much of the country is actually a boon for online
dating. Match.com reports that its peak season runs from Dec. 26
to Feb. 14, when the dating site experiences a 42% spike in member
registrations.

There’s even a name for the cold months when people seek out
companionship, though it’s not exactly the most romantic expression:
“cuffing season.”

Collins Dictionary, which put “cuffing season” on its shortlist for
2017 Word of the Year, defines the phrase as “the period of autumn and
winter, when single people are considered likely to seek settled
relationships rather than engage in casual affairs.”  
 from the Wall Street Journal.

When the bomb cyclone descends, covering the earth

With an elemental rime, destroying summer mirth,

Then the heart that’s under siege from loneliness and hurt

Enters cuffing season and begins to cyber flirt.

Relationshopping endlessly, the modern man and maid

Is looking for their winter solstice bold and unafraid.

Before a roaring fireplace, while sipping on mulled wine,

Lovers snuggle gratefully (albeit just online.)

And when the springtime zephyrs waft a hint of warmer days,

Cuffing season ends as lovers go their sep’rate ways.

Romance on the internet is still that ancient game

Of claiming to be burnt out while yet hoping for a flame.