In Your Season

Before I knew you, I lived in winter - 

drowned into benumbed silence 

by the voluminous downfall of savage storms.

I would wrap my coat tightly, 

zip up to my lower lip,

bandage layers of scarves over my chest,

stoking my blood-flames in an attempt to survive

in the middle of a plain and empty space;

dark clouds, white hills, dead trees, 

hollow lands where nothing walks, 

everything standing frozen,

everything shivering, 

while hope dangles wearily on the narrowest branch.

But then I saw you, small thing - 

blinking your bright pink eyes just beyond my windowsill,

completely unexpected, yawning your rosy head into my view,

and suddenly my icicles melted into summer tears. 

Reviews

[Jibey]

It's clear to me that this writing is beautifully conveying the chilly need of a heart that is not fulfilled. hunkering down to cope with the missing sunshine of love, with hope like an icicle frozen solid.

How lovely that in the bleak midwinter, a little creature can cheer, with its beating breast, warm coat and bright eyes.

Even in the most frigid of situations, warm life can penetrate to bring cheer and revive hope. How much we value a touch, a word, a kind look, even from passing strangers.

I was moved by these words; I wanted to hug the poet.

[Kay]

Beautifully said, Jibey.. An internal winter can feel the most barren and defeating of all, especially since there's no visible end. In this state, it's difficult to imagine that anything would be able to penetrate the soul's thick, frosty sadness and return an essence of hope and color into one's existence. But when it does occur, even the simplest of gestures is incredibly moving.

I'm touched by your sentiment, thank you. =)

[Chris Shaw]

Very nicely penned. Nature does that to me too. It has a wonderful and calming effect on frazzled nerves. I like your poetic expression Kay.

Chris

[Kay]

Hi Chris! I totally agree, I honestly feel calmest when I'm at the beach. There's something so soothing about the gentle humming of the waves, the blanket of the sea breeze, and the soft cushion of the sand. Nature really is a gift. Thank you for your compliments! =)

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Kay.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ah how nature moves us, and in particular as we re-emerge from winter's grasp, happy that we have survived. Spring is a time to weap with happiness.

[Kay]

Thank you John! I think that's a lovely way to phrase it. =)

[lizardbrain]

this is beautiful!! I've also been so affected by the winter chill in my soul and in my writing, related so closely to the beginning of this poem, and really needed the boost of sweetness in that last section. thank you :)

[lizardbrain]

have to say this may be one of my favorite poems I've come across here so far.

[Kay]

Sorry for the late reply, my schedule has been all over the place. Thank you so much for your review! I completely relate to the feeling of a "winter chill in my soul" and it really means a lot to hear that this might be one of your favorites. =)