Uninvited Guest

The chill approaches!

We knew you were on your way

but not when you would arrive

on our doorsteps.

Somehow we wish we could ward you off

with some medieval wizardry,

but instead we listen to the forecast reports

and look at the sky,

thankful for each day without

your clutching cold fingers

and the frozen vapour of your breath

upon our brows.

Inevitably you descend though,

be it for a few days or a week

and we hunker down,

taking measures to survive

your chilly cloak

and the bitterness of the air

you bring to the earth.

 

29/01/19

Author's Note

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

So cold here in my little part of Canada (across from Detroit) that I had to stand in front of the fridge with the door open just to warm up. Felt like a three dog night last night, but only had two dogs and the wife to cuddle with.
Your poem certainly evoked the miserable temps thrown down by the Polar Vortex. Global warming indeed!
:>)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Not Windsor? Been there. Walked over the Ambassador Bridge and spent a day in Windsor when I was on a study tour many years ago. My sister lives in Peterborough and I can't understand anyone wanting to live in places that get so utterly cold lol. Many thanks for the view Ted

[Ted Kniffen]

Yeah, Windsor alright. It's been a long time since anyone could walk across the Ambassador Bridge though. We have a new one under construction now.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

It was some years ago. The Canadians would not believe I walked and wanted to come in for 'the day' and when I returned the border security on the American side did not believe i'd done so.

[Ted Kniffen]

Yeah, they do not have much of a sense of humour, do they?

[Coyote Poetry]

I do understand this poem. I hope I don't become the person described in the poetry. I liked the flow of thoughts. Made the reader feel the dismay and regret. Thank you John for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I guess we cannot complain when the Mid West and Canada are facing unprecedented cold weather! Thanks Coyote.

[Coyote Poetry]

Very cold in Michigan. 15 below, last night.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

That is cold but I understand Chicago was -40C

[Gee]

I could well hibernate if finances permitted it. As it is I'll be out nannying 40 grasping, greedy, price work carpenters on numerous sites across Beds and Bucks.
Enjoyed the read John, a well written descriptive piece

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Rather you than moi out there buddy. Retirement does not suit me but............................Cheers!

[Cherrie]

This morning was 12 degrees with a bitter wind . The Winter Queen is a bitter companion and your words are encased in a lacy rime in need of a fire.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Oh how I miss that fire my Lady! Many thank yous.

[NotUsinganymore]

Very beautiful and descriptive poem! South Korea gets pretty cold in the winters which I utterly hate!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you. So we are both agreed that the sun is to our liking.

[NotUsinganymore]

Right I rather be hot than cold c:

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we are hunkering down here in the midwest....Burrrrrrr!

i felt a chill just reading your very apt, very descriptive write.
Nice imagery therein....

j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I am certain your weather is worse than ours. We Brits don't know how lucky we are. Indeed it is a cold snap but very little to complain of so far. Snow predicted though. Was in Bruges last week and it snowed there so saw the magic of the place in its winter cloak. Many thanks Jacob.