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

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful imagery. I felt this.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wanted the biting chill to come through. Thank you, Thomas!

[Sami Khalil]

Might you all need to move to the poles.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I love the winter. I think Minnesota would be cold enough for me!

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

Happy Birthday. Many happy returns in all seasons. I feel the romance flowing in this poem. Some lovers like snuggling and staying warm in the cold Winter's months. Nothing like taking that bitter chill away.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Sami! A little body heat saves on the electricity, too!

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe. You are so right. And welcome.

[Pete]

there is a peace about cold, snowy, winter days like no other. what a "cool" write. love the title, birds and the things you focus on to bring the feel and atmosphere alive. ending warms the heart as well as the body. what a contrast as we sweat out this hot summer.

[Kelly Scheppers]

In contrast to what the temperature is outside, I really wanted to make an atmospheric change to help cool things down. I think it's working! I see happy people in my reviews! ; ) Thank you, Pete!

[Pete]

i needed it. i felt cooler as i read thinking, "what a contrast".

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, great!!

[Ken Simm.]

Excellent atmospheric write. Full of interest and well crafted cosyness, (and the opposite) Wonderful. And a belated happy birthday.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Ken! I'm always happy to see you and your beautiful horse! What is his name?

[Ken Simm.]

Mooey which is Dutch for beautiful and you are welcme. By the way he is 18 Hh

[Dara]

Thank you Kelly and a very Happy Birthday! What a wonderful escape from the heat of summer. I was born and raised in Minnesota so this definitely speaks to my heart. Beautifully crafted, your words create such a peaceful, cozy mood. Just love this!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I didn't know you were from Minnesota? Oh, how cool!! I am thrilled this turned out to be so personal for you - I really am! It's pretty special to me, too. Thank you, Dara!

[Dara]

I often refer to it as ‘Minnesnowta’. :-D

[Davidgeo]

Happy birthday Kelly. The cold is great for inducing snuggling. It brings the heat... or at least some warmth.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you!

[Trace]

Down and down should be spelled differently, like to, and too, and two... or wind and wind... l am glad I'm reading this in the summertime. I want to come back to it in a few months when the cold winds blow down the canyons, and the snow gathers at my door, to really appreciate it.

[Kelly Scheppers]

It will be here before you know it. May it read just as eloquent for you. Take care, my friend!

[John the Baptist]

Happy birthday, Kelly, Elegant wording here; really evoked the spirit of winter. But because while I was out today and saw a dog chasing a cat AND THEY WERE BOTH WALKING, I just couldn't get into the spirit of it.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, John. I appreciate it!

[Gee]

This has me dreading the season's change with winter my least favourite, cold, wet, dark, dreary...what to like.
The avatar of the poor wee bird bent against the elements gets you to thinking as we always assume birds/animals are born to cope, perhaps not.
Belated 40th(!!) birthday wishes Kelly, hope you are well.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I think we all believed they were born to cope, but looking at that picture makes me wonder how. Within minutes, their little feet could become frozen to whatever they are perched upon. Thank you for your sympathetic ear, Gordon!