A Winter Poem

frost fall

graceful pines grow tall

silent secrets of the night

gentle snows obscure my sight

quiet air and thoughts unseen

memories of where we've been

tender mercies, quiet glow

wondering as to where we'll go

winter comes now all the while

greet it with a tender smile

remembering you there by my side

we mourned the day that summer died

I know it ended all the same

we'll greet the morning that never came

Author's Note

Another one from writer's group. I've got to apologize, I haven't been on the Cafe much lately, but when I return I'll hook you guys up with some reviews.

Reviews

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful imagery John. Fantastic work.

[John Sullivan]

Thank you so kindly, Tom

[Stella Armour]

lovely couplets ....
The final one really touched my heart..

[John Sullivan]

Thank you so much! I've been experimenting with rhyme scheme lately, so it's a new form for me. Thank you so much for reading!

[Stella Armour]

I experimented in lots of forms John, it was fun and also taught me a lot about rhythm and flow....
The poems you see here of mine at the moment are mostly new writes not in any form because i also have been experimenting lol

[John Sullivan]

Nice! Yeah, a lot of my older stuff was more free verse, less rhyme and confined meter. It's always good to experiment, try something new...

[Stella Armour]

it certainly is and it broadens your horizons...

[Richard🖌]

Ah, John,

At least you shared three of the four seasons … perhaps, your last great poetess flame?
You've laid your imagery and emotion so poignantly beautiful, Syr, with nice flow, creative metaphor, and spot-on rhymes … in the couplet form; one of my favorites for reading.
Sad, you two missed the wondrous colours of Fall's warming snuggles … still, so many others to choose from, eh?

Happy Winter 2024 to thee! ⁓ Richard🖌

[John Sullivan]

Thanks so much Richard. I've been experimenting a lot with rhyme scheme lately, most of my older stuff was more free verse. A pleasure, as always

[Richard🖌]

To my mind's-eye, John, a well-rounded bard works towards perfecting many forms, especially any that best epitomizes his exact need and intent of expression.
The undeveloped poet is one who smothers his skills and potential beneath one or two forms.
Keep that experimenting going … how else to know one's true and ultimate capabilities?

[John Sullivan]

Agreed! Now if only I could pull of haiku...

[Richard🖌]

Haiku and Senryu....
Surprisingly complex forms to compose well in.
I've a few you might find interesting, even helpful:
https://www.writerscafe.org/writing/RichardJ/2796172/

[John Sullivan]

I'll check those out Richard! I agree, I must say some here at the Cafe are writing absolutely wonderful senryu in particular. Thank you as always for your thoughts!

[Richard🖌]

Most humbly, I bow.

[Neville]

Much colder than permafrost .. and made me shiver no end .. still so very muchly enjoyed tho' .. Neville

[willweb]

Yep, 'we mourned the day that summer died' and I still am. I do not like the cold very much. A little here and there is okay but sometimes it gets to be a bit much. Very nicely done.

[John Sullivan]

We just got our first snow of the season, it's... unfortunate. Peaceful tho

[Mari' Emeraude]

Oh this was lovely! I normally don't care for winter because I tend to have a touch of SAD, but the silence of this poem enveloped me in its beauty.

[John Sullivan]

I'm a sucker for the first snow of the season, it's so... peaceful. Thank you for your kind words!

[Ken Simm.]

That is specifically here at the moment. A wonderfully seasonal evocation of the senses.

[John Sullivan]

Thank you Ken! Still not on the Cafe much, but will send you some reviews one of these days

[emmajoygreen]

Sights and emotions passed yet leaving such strong memories - ones unlikely to be forgotten. If only one could erase scars like those and have them gentle their own tragedy.

[John Sullivan]

To feel things deeply is what makes us human. And poets. Thanks for reading!

[emmajoygreen]

I like to think you understood what I was sharing, sir.

[Chris Shaw]

This is such a quiet poem of loss with beautiful winter scenery which adds to the pathos. The couplets work very well. A lovely poem, much enjoyed. Happy new year John.

Chris

[John Sullivan]

Thanks so much Chris! I haven't been on the Cafe much recently, but when I return I'll leave ya some reviews. Merry (belated) Christmas and a happy New Year to you

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you . Look forward to your return.

[John Sullivan]

So kind. Thanks for reading, Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing movement of words and thoughts John.
"remembering you there by my side
we mourned the day that summer died"
The above lines were my favorite. The seasons do create hope and sometime sadness. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote