Heavy cable sweater, mittens, scarves,
and toe socks bundle to keep me warm
Coats keep out the wind
chewing on my nose and pinkened cheeks;
With the sun rising, staying longer in the sky,
I refuse to look at my shivering heart
knowing with every ray of light,
it will become luminescent and lithe,
shaking off the fresh powder;
No longer weighed down
with chunks of regret, betrayal, and sorrow.
February 1st took my scarf
and hung it on a peg with my hat soon to follow.
February 10th laid my heavy coat to rest
and retired the toe socks for night-time only.
I look forward to the rest of February
and strain into March because I can now see below the crust;
Setting aside the trappings of grief,
I will no longer be anchored in this heavy spot.
Staring into the languid sunshine of late afternoon
I envision lush green grass beginning to tickle my toes
Happiness sprouts under my window sill
and joyful jasmine climbs my mailbox.
I'll learn to breathe again
and the pain of it will subside with carnival carnations,
magnolia blossoms and crab tree pinks itch my nose for a sneeze;
A smile creeps across my face
like dawn breaks a valley's darkness -
I can see who I am,
who I've become under the heavy coats,
who I've been all along
I have lost, been lost,
but I also have gained and found in these deep December days,
In the Spring with every grey layer laid to rest,
My soul blooms a secret garden.
A contest entry
- no snow here! by misselaineous.
850 points, ended February 18, 2007, 6 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Tiger-lillies, purple tulips, cala lillies, pink lillies, spider mums...some of my favorites.
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
-
i smiled at pinkened ;) and wondered if there is such a word - and if not there should be lol! i enjoyed reading this and the journey it took me on. You have painted a reawakening, and used the images well to depict your growth, this mirrored with the warming of the seasons and the image of layers we use to protect ourselves made this a pleasant start to my sunday morning reading and difficult judging process- the sun is shining here after the drear days of late thankyou for entering this :D elaine :f
-
i smiled at pinkened ;) and wondered if there is such a word - and if not there should be lol! i enjoyed reading this and the journey it took me on. You have painted a reawakening, and used the images well to depict your growth, this mirrored with the warming of the seasons and the image of layers we use to protect ourselves made this a pleasant start to my sunday morning reading and difficult judging process- the sun is shining here after the drear days of late thankyou for entering this :D elaine :f
-
well i feel encouraged now. great job. i love the imagery and alliteration. this was just the thing i needed to read today. thanks
-
I loved reading this, hun. Perfect follow-up read to something you said about gardens the other day.
This lines's cute:
"chewing on my nose and pinkened cheeks"
Positive things aren't always my favourite to read about, but I was feeling fairly accomplished today and I enjoyed.
Likin' the contrast between the white, wintry background and the other colours- both of the fonts and in the words themselves.
-Allura
-
I loved this positive write and especially how you envisioned your window boxes sprouting to get you through the grey days, how you show yourself in layers as your own garden. Nicely done.
-
-
ea
thank you for giving this a read.
there's a secret garden within us all, I believe.
-
-
A very beautiful write one that shows there is always hope and a light shining within the darkness it just takes a little time for us to see it.
Well written and indeed a pleasure to read...julie
-
-
Thank you Julie.
I feel like I've been in the dark long enough. It's time to take walks in the sun for a change. I'm glad the hope is shining through. I hope you feel it too.
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 8 of 8
