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

[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!

[Vol]

Kelly,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
And thank you for the gift of two new words! Brumal and redpoll, I add them to my toybox with great pleasure. Your imagery gave me shivers here on a hot, humid, North Carolina day. There is something extra special about finding warm shelter in a hostile world. And when done with,

"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."
All of life becomes sublime!
Vol

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wanted to acknowledge our fine feathered friends, for winter for them is just as brutal. That avatar I used almost broke my heart. Zoom in on it and look at that little bird! Thanks so much, Vol!

[Vol]

Kelly,
All my favorite poets have that place in their heart where small things matter, whether the well-being of a small bird. or the way a piece of paper flits in the breeze. Your poem is a nice picture of a beautiful heart.
Vol

[Vol]

Oh, and let's not forget the double entendre of the title in the context of the last stanza...

[Kelly Scheppers]

You noticed! ; )

[Vol]

Are you kidding? I live for such things...

[Kelly Scheppers]

You're the only one that mentioned it. Much appreciate that!

[Vol]

Well, hahaha... I'm an all-season sorta guy, but it's hard to beat good snuggle weather...

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Happy Birthday! At least we may cool off in our imaginations eh? This was a wonderful offering on your birthday. I feel like we should be giving you such gifts and not the other way around. ;) I'm off to write you a little verse. I'll post it on your page when I'm done. Bless you, friend and may your birthday be every bit as special as you!

[Kelly Scheppers]

That's what I was hoping for, to cool things down a bit. I can almost hear the wind blowing, rattling the screen door! Thank you, Fabian. Stay cool!

[Samuel Dickens]

Ahh, some relief from this sweltering heat. Your words create vivid imagery, and I can almost smell that snow air. Is there any better, cozier feeling than hunkering down beneath a thick, warm quilt? Happy birthday! I'm guessing you're about 29.

[Kelly Scheppers]

...yes!! However did you know? Lol, I think I'm beginning to get a sunburn from those "trips" around the sun! Thanks so much, Ken!

[Stella Armour]

"Happy Birthday " .... i hope your special day is a lovely one.
Yes, the weather also in my country can make beautiful scenes although we never have the amount of snow i remember from childhood when it banked up high for days on end.
"Winter's bone" is a fabulous way to describe it ...

[Kelly Scheppers]

I wanted something different to evoke the harshness of the cold. An expression that was rarely spoken. Thanks so much for your presence here, Stella. Much appreciate the warm birthday wishes, too!

[red93]

Happy Birthday K. I love this Piece. Nothing like a warm Partner when the nights get cold. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Kelly Scheppers]

Oh yes! A little body heat can go a long way, plus it eases up on the electric bill! Thank you, Tony!