Winter's Bone

...a prelude to winter

Winter’s Bone

 

 

 

the roads not plowed that winter

left an avalanche of snow

upon the Minnesota landscape

 

the northern cardinal

and common redpoll

took refuge in the Norway spruce,  

seeking shelter in the thicket of branches

from the shrills of winter’s bone

 

our bodies hunkered down

underneath a goose down quilt

that took the bitter chill away,

that permeated through the brumal sleep

of winter’s bone.

 

Author's Note

Although most of the country is enduring a heat wave at present, my muse opted for cooler temperatures. It’s my birthday today, and this is my present to share!

Reviews

[Perdition]

A wonderful present! I feel the chill and see the pleasing contrast of red feathers huddled in the evergreen branches with cotton coats of snow, bodies in their fetal snug hibernation, both warm and familiar as home. Enticing as rare and softly placed this poem goes from harsh to the letter of sweetness so astonishingly quick and rare as to almost compare it to an Oliver ..though I wouldn't dare. This is pure "Kelly" and deserves such a distinction,...I wonder if we're feeling a brutal winter perhaps headed our way? So sorry to have missed your birthday dear friend, Happy Belated!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you so much, Joseph. Your presence here is a gift to me.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Happy Belated Birthday my dearest Kelly🎂❣️something told me to visit you today and so I join in to send wishes for a wonderful birthday & year ahead.Hope u are happy and well. A shout out sent from Pebs to Ollie too of course!
Thank you for this literary gift! Your lovely crystalline words in this wintry write are so evocative and wrap the reader in a blanket of comfort. Yes I had to lookup “brumal”- thanks for teaching me a new word! Love blessings and light sent to you😘xo

[Kelly Scheppers]

This instantly became one of my personal favorites within minutes of writing it. I've always had a penchant for winter, and that little bird in the avatar brought it all into focus for me. And the added thrill of discovering a new word...was priceless! Your presence is always the gift that keeps on giving, my friend. Always! x

[Dave]

Kelly - it's been a while since I've been here. You made me glad to have come back. Despite the winter's cold you make it seem so comfy to snuggle under the goose down quilt.
Take care - Dave

[Kelly Scheppers]

Life happens, Dave. It gets the best of our time, no matter our best of intentions to keep in touch. It is always a pleasure having you my page. Thank you!

[Arundass TP]

Happy birthday friend. We all don't love too much heat or too much cold. Great poem

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think its the extremes we all get crazy about. Thank you, Arundass!

[Arundass TP]

Welcome friend 😊

[C. M. Miller]

Kelly, "My Kelly!" How few your words warms my thoughts and makes me jealous for a fleece comforter to share; "winter's bone," nay!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I should have put a fireplace in that house, huh? But it's so much fun getting warm together! Thank you my dear Charles!

[C. M. Miller]

An Embasy cocktail 🍸 or two would certainly keep the fire glowing.

[emmajoygreen]

Belated birthday wishes - forgive, please. I hope your day was full of happy happies, Kelly, Hope too that you found laughter, a sip or few and - lots of memories made!

[Kelly Scheppers]

No apologies needed, Em. Your presence here is most welcomed, belated or not!

[emmajoygreen]

Ever onwards, Kelly So hope that since we last 'rubbed noses' over words and time, life has left you both a fitter and happier bunny?

[Neville]

Belated birthday bests Kelly .. thank Bodhidharma for Northern Cardinals, Common Redpolls & of course those goose down quilts .. This is so cool, I am sitting here typing wrapped in my space blanket .. N :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, thank you, Nev! Best wishes to you and little Wren!

[Ted Kniffen]

Sends a shiver through my bones. A goose down comforter and a warm companion would definitely be welcome.
Nice one Kelly ... and Happy Birthday ... although a day late or so.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Ted. So happy to see you!

[Andra Davis]

Happy Birthday to you. Cheers.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I appreciate the wishes, Andra. Thank you!

[Aleena]

literal chills. Happy Birthday

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Aleena!