Light Box

I don't believe in SAD being cured by a light box!

Light Box

I'm feeling blue,

after all winter

has us in her clutches.

Her wild, windy hair,

ice cold breath

and frosted fingers

drives us indoors

to shelter from

the bitter onslaught.

 

When we dare emerge

we are swathed

in thick Icelandic pullovers,

overcoats, long trousers,

hats, hoods and boots;

head to toe protection.

 

There is little skin left exposed

with which to capture

the rays that warm us

to our very core.

 

That bronzing solar power

that makes our souls glow

is in abeyance for now.

 

The streets are empty,

no neighbours tending lawns,

washing windows

or waxing cars.

No one standing in idle gossip

sharing narrow , parochial

street-views upon last nights

tweets.

 

The air is filled with

coughs and sneezes.

No dalliances in the park

laying on lush green grass

watching the world pass idly by,

or walks by the ocean,

skimming stones,

dry sand dripping in warm, soft,

gritty cascades between our toes.

 

Even pretty girls hide their charms

beneath jumpers, hats and scarves,

awaiting spring days, so they may

peel away this frozen inhibition

and let their breasts

fall free again.

 

So yes I am blue,

sad really,

and no bright-light therapy

will provide relief,

for only a change of seasons

will do that for me.

 

16/01/17

Reviews

[Kesha]

I can usually handle the winter but this one was brutal, when it finally hit negative 40 I went and bought a winter coat, haven't owned one in years! Doesnt mean I like the cold, just that I can (usually) handle it. But your poem describes the gloomy winter days perfectly. I like this

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks, I feel those gloomy winter days lol!

[Lyn Anderson]

You don't believe in something that people would say you describe perfectly. From what I understand, your winters are considerably greyer than ours. I hate the gloomy grey days. But the crisp white ones, when we can walk, and ski, and sled, those aren't so bad. As soon as it is around 0 Celcius, those of us who are used to the outdoors run around in sweatshirts and athletic gear while the rest of the world remains bundled for a month or more ... this is the gloomiest time of year for most of us, whether SAD is a made up thing or not. Nicely done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Tis light boxes I have no faith in 'M' as the cause of SAD is a mix of metrological and social factors and not solved by light boxes! Man thanks.

[Lyn Anderson]

Ah yes, I think the boxes have somewhat of a placebo effect for different people.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed and they, like those who offer it, miss the point!

[DIVYA]

"That bronzing solar power
that makes our souls glow
is in abeyance for now."

I loved these lines...so aptly describing the sun's power to uplift the soul. We find winter difficult even in our part of the world and I appreciate the feelings underlying this beauriful poem. Can't wait for spring to arrive...

[John Alexander McFadyen]

WE all love to feel the sun Divya and I suppose as we are deprived more we value just a little of it. Many thanks.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Oh yes, the pendulum sway of a ponytail and the sashay of a skirt provides all the warmth one's imagination needs!

Here's hoping your color changes!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Not you too! Just read KLGs latest post! Thank you Kelly!

[Lydia Shutter]

Great personification of winter. It is not a season I enjoy at all...which is why I live in South Florida. You know the old saying though....When the frost is on the pumpkin....nuff said. Some might show more in spring and summer, but sensual thoughts do not disappear in winter. Great imagery throughout. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I have tried to persuade my partner to move to a warmer climate but so far she is having none of it. South Florida must be a nice place to live. I have only visited so hard to tell. Indeed sensuality cannot be subdued merely by inclement weather, thank goodness! Many thanks Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

I have lived here since high school. Would not want to live anywhere else.

[.]

Tis the winter of our discontent.....no truer words written.

You have given a perfect summary of the winter blues.
I guess it depends on the person how they react to the seasons. I imagine both the peaks of summer and winter can invoke such feelings of sadness and hope for coming change. I prefer autumn and spring, but dont mind our winter for a perfect nights sleep.

A nice write. Realistic and scientifically supported.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Aye tis true and no light box could replace all those social and physical attributes of the milder seasons. Many thanks.

[Valentine]

I had to laugh at the last two groupings and then wondered if the reason you are blue is because the pretty girls are hidden beneath hats, scarves and long coats. Valentine

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Ha, ha. I think that is a reason. We all feel better when not encumbered by heavy clothing. and we all seem to get a spring in our steps when we get the shorts and 'T' shirts out and can dilly dally.

[Valentine]

I thought so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, we wrap ourselves in tight clothes and silent murmuring...
we hibernate...waiting for that season when we can all shed the layers of melancholy...and reach out for each other again...through clear windows to the outside.

j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Precisely Jacob. Many thanks.

[andrew mitchell]

Research shows we do suffer winter blues, I suppose that's why some animals hibernate, I do love our Aussie winter, nothing extreme not like our heat.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Aye tis true but it is not simply caused by lack of sunlight. The other social consequences play a major part too. Many thanks Andrew.

[Einstein Noodle]

i hear you sir ..loud and clear! i moved from many years lived in the frigid SD prairies .. wind chills can drop to as low as -70 (honest!) i live in the more temperate Ozark Mountains now only dropping to mid thirties but usually 40-60 .. tho the tress are bare but for the evergreens and the forests quite grey .. i agree..its true ..only spring will bring true relief ..well said says i ..i enjoy the imagery and straight talk language .. and free falling breasts of course ;O stay warm my friend ..not too much longer to go
E.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Einstein. I believe you but could never countenance such cold conditions. I am a sun seeker!