Snow on Cypress Trees

Snow on Cypress Trees

 

 

Once again it's the time of year
for the cognitive joys

of holidays past.

 

Carved turkeys and crusted pies

rekindle warm memories

of bustling preparations

in the kitchen,
with generations of family at hand
and pots of coffee brewing.

Leaves in a vast array
show no signs of winter here

in California…

where a heart is heavy
like snow on cypress trees.

Author's Note

...missing home, family and friends.

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

Kelly, this is a brilliant snapshot of a holiday gathering, perhaps a feeling in the kitchen, while gazing through a frosted window. The "snow on cypress trees" expresses not only depth, weight and contrast (the warmth of green on icy white) but a longing for the past, a change in seasons, and the warmth of family and friends in the most bitter weather.

As your poem illustrates, we can wrap ourselves in poetry and art when we need the comfort of something so distant. A wondrous poem with the ideal image.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Perhaps that will be my saving grace - wrapping myself in poetry and art for the comfort of something so distant. Beautifully stated, Robert. Thank you!

[Beccy]

The longing, the ache inside is palpable in these lines. How fragile is our hold on life, three score year and ten a mere blink of the creators eye.

Indeed it is, that the snow lies heavy on the bow; but so to does the beauty of memory.

Beccy.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...beautifully said, Beccy. Thank you so much!

[Coyote Poetry]

My brother lived in the California mountains. A lot of snow. Many people, don't know. Can snow in California. I love the four seasons. Hello dear Kelly and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Kelly Scheppers]

Yes, we do get snow in our mountains, the higher elevations. It's quite lovely up there, with quaint little shops and restaurants that are family owned. But you know what they say - there's no place like home! May you have a blessed Thanksgiving, John!

[Coyote Poetry]

My brother lived in Idllywild. I visit Idllywild in June of 2018. A beautiful place.

[Lorry]

We don't do thanksgiving here Kelly (we are such un ungrateful lot), but like every holiday, it can be a very uncomfortable and sad experience, if unable to be with loved ones and family, no matter the hows and whys.
The title/ last line are so perfect to capture that cold, quiet ache within.
Can almost smell that coffee and hear their laughter in memories past.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It is a cold, quiet ache...thank you, Lorry. Thank you for all the joy you bring to so many throughout the year!

[Lorry]

Aw shucks...I think you just found the magic button to shut me up 😀

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i sure feel this one...
i often think of when Christmas meant the most...and that was during my childhood...simpler times....
more subtle decorations but beautiful...
felt the spirit of the season...midnight mass etc.
commercialism and cynicism caught up to my vision of the season....and now...a bit jaded...still try to feel the yuletide spirit.
j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It was such a big deal back then, cause that's what parents did. Now, we're in their shoes and suddenly things just aren't the same. I hope you have someone to spend the holidays with, and know that I wish you the very best! Thank you, Jacob! Stay warm!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

some dear friends, yes....
thank you, Kelly.

j.

[John the Baptist]

I can recall very well from my years as a mental health worker that the year end holidays can be hard on people. Thanksgiving/Christmas present can come up short when compared to the past. Verse 2 illustrates how acute that comparison can be. Email and Skype can help, but the gulf is still there. We must look for ways to comfort ourselves at these times.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I can't imagine how the elderly (who live alone) cope with it. Both my parents and grandparents are gone, and my heart simply aches for them. I guess there's a child within us all, no matter how grown up we are. Thank you, Dave. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, I keep calling you Dave! Sorry, John!

[John the Baptist]

And a happy Thanksgiving to you, too.

[MCS]

beautiful words with a touch of sadness, well done my friend.
wishing you the best on this thanksgiving (hugs)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you,Mary...and I extend the warmest of wishes to you!